When satellites communicate, missions receive critical data, and operations run securely, there are of course people behind the scenes to make this possible. Meet Olof Karlströmer, Security Operations Specialist within Cybersecurity, whose work helps protect the systems  infrastructure that support our operations.  

Since joining SSC Space in 2024, Olof has focused on identifying vulnerabilities, conducting threat hunting activities, and strengthening the company’s security posture. His responsibilities also include communications security and supporting the protection of Esrange Space Center. 

With previous experience from CGI and CERN’s IT Department in Geneva during the construction of the Large Hadron Collider, Olof brings a strong technology background. Today, he applies that expertise to help safeguard critical space infrastructure in an increasingly complex threat environment. 

But Olof’s interest in space began long before his career. 

As a child, visits to Tekniska Museet in Stockholm sparked a fascination with satellites, space probes, and the early days of space exploration. One memory has stayed with him ever since. 

“When I was around seven years old, my sisters and I had the honor of meeting and shaking hands with Valentina Tereshkova (the first woman in space). That experience really sparked my interest in space.” 

Today, he closely follows developments in lunar exploration and hopes to see permanent Moon bases and future habitats on Mars become reality. He and his wife have even had the opportunity to meet Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke and hear firsthand stories from the Apollo program. 

When asked what makes him proud of working at SSC Space, Olof points to the company’s contribution to some of today’s most ambitious space initiatives. 

“Hearing about our achievements in handling huge volumes of data from weather satellites makes me proud. The collaboration supporting the Artemis II mission, and hopefully future missions as well, is another great example. And of course, all the sounding rockets launched from Esrange have been a tremendous achievement for the entire Nordic region.” 

Looking ahead, he hopes the global space community will continue working towards more sustainable exploration. 

“Let’s keep working together to clean Earth’s orbits from the growing amount of space debris and continue developing more sustainable ways to launch both crewed and uncrewed missions,” he says. Borrowing a line familiar to many science fictions fans, he adds. It’s not impossible, it’s necessary”.

Together with his family, Olof spends much of his free time exploring the Stockholm archipelago by boat. From well-known destinations like Sandhamn to lesser-known islands waiting to be discovered, the journey is as important as the destination.

From protecting critical systems to dreaming about humanity’s future, Olof brings the same curiosity that first inspired him as a child. A mindset that helps us stay ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.