Capella Space Achieves CMMC Level 2 Certification, Securing Contracts for Handling US Government Sensitive Data

Capella Space, an American space technology company, has become one of the first aerospace firms to attain Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2, aligning with 110 NIST SP 800-171 Revision 2 security requirements. This certification authorizes the company to handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) from the U.S. government, opening doors for contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD) and beyond. In a recent announcement, Capella Space CEO Frank Backes emphasized the significance of this milestone. "This achievement underscores our commitment to safeguarding customer information through a best-in-class cybersecurity program," he stated. "We are now equipped to deliver a secure and reliable platform for U.S. government missions, as well as those of our international allies and partners." The CMMC is a cybersecurity initiative spearheaded by the U.S. DoD to ensure the protection of sensitive, unclassified information shared with contractors. Achieving a specific CMMC level is a prerequisite for winning DoD contracts. Capella's Level 2 certification confirms the company's adherence to stringent security standards, allowing it to manage CUI effectively. Cole French, Director of Cybersecurity Services and CMMC Lead at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, played a pivotal role in the assessment process. "Capella’s rigorous preparation exemplifies their dedication to security and compliance," French noted. "Their CMMC Certificate of Status is a testament to their commitment to end-to-end security, ensuring the safe handling of customer information throughout their operations." To meet the certification requirements, Capella collaborated with Summit7, a leading provider of security and compliance solutions, for IT support. Summit7 CEO Scott Edwards praised Capella’s success. "We are delighted to see Capella Space achieve their CMMC Level 2 status," Edwards said. "As a frontrunner in space technology, Capella has prioritized securing their environment, protecting valuable intellectual property, and ensuring the integrity of government data. Our CMMC Level 2 implementation for Office 365 GCC High and Azure Government, along with our Managed IT support through Guardian for M365 and Azure, contributed significantly to this successful assessment." Capella Space operates at the forefront of the Earth observation industry, being the first U.S. company to design, build, and operate a global constellation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites. These satellites capture high-quality, high-resolution SAR imagery, providing detailed insights into our changing planet. The company’s advanced technology is paired with a secure, fully automated Tasking system and flexible sensor capabilities, ensuring global transparency and reliability. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Capella Space also maintains offices in Denver, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. The company’s diverse locations facilitate close collaboration with both governmental and commercial clients. This latest achievement further solidifies Capella’s position as a trusted and secure provider of space technology solutions, positioning them to play a crucial role in advancing national and international missions.