Cyber Warfare — DARPA STTR
Cyber Kostinichi.
A DARPA Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) research and development program. In partnership with Purdue University CyberTAP and the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space-ISAC), Code Talkers Engineering is developing cybersecurity education purpose-built for the space sector.
Program Type
DARPA STTR — Small Business Technology Transfer
The STTR program (funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) requires a small business to partner with a nonprofit research institution. Code Talkers Engineering fulfills the small business role, with Purdue University CyberTAP as the research partner and Space-ISAC providing sector-specific guidance and access.
The program's primary deliverable is the Space ISSO Training course — a specialized cybersecurity curriculum for Information System Security Officers working in the space domain.
The name “Kostinichi” honors the town in Bosnia and Herzegovina — a nod to the Code Talker tradition of honoring identity, heritage, and mission.
STTR Team
Teaming Partners
Lead — Small Business
Code Talkers Engineering
SDVOSB and Native American-Owned defense contractor. Leads program management, curriculum development, and delivery of the Space ISSO Training course.
Research Partner
Purdue University CyberTAP
Cybersecurity Technology Acceleration Program at Purdue University. Provides research institution credentials and academic rigor required for STTR eligibility.
polytechnic.purdue.edu/cybertapSector Partner
Space-ISAC
Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center. Provides space-sector threat intelligence, industry access, and operational context for curriculum development.
s-isac.orgProgram Deliverable
Space ISSO Training Course
The primary output of the Cyber Kostinichi STTR is a specialized Information System Security Officer (ISSO) training program designed specifically for the space domain. Traditional ISSO training was built for terrestrial enterprise environments — space systems have unique constraints that demand a different approach.
The course addresses the intersection of RMF requirements, space system architecture, and the operational realities of systems that can't be patched mid-orbit.
Course content under active development as part of the STTR program. Contact us for enrollment availability.
Target Audience
Who This Is For
Space ISSO & ISSMs
DoD and commercial space program security officers who need RMF and A&A skills tailored to space system constraints.
Space Program Managers
PMs overseeing space-adjacent programs who need to understand cybersecurity requirements and risk across their portfolio.
Space-Sector Contractors
Defense and commercial companies building or operating space systems who must meet evolving DoD cybersecurity requirements.