Aerospace Village

What Aerospace Village does

Aerospace Village is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2019 (originally as Aviation Village at DEF CON 27, rebranded in 2020) that operates as a volunteer-driven community organization with 1-10 staff. Its mission is to bridge the gap between the security research community and the aerospace industry by convening hackers, engineers, pilots, and policy leaders around aviation and space cybersecurity at major conferences including DEF CON, RSA Conference, WiCyS, and Blackhat, with programming now extending to DistrictCon and STARPWN.

The organization's core deliverables are hands-on village experiences, Capture the Flag competitions (including the A-ISAC Aviation Cybersecurity Challenge, Boeing-hosted ARINC 615a/664 CTFs, Lockheed Martin's "The Challenge," and the US Air Force/Space Force-backed Hack-A-Sat satellite competition), and a recurring annual line of custom electronic badges under the #Badgelife banner. The hardware line evolved from the DC28 antenna badge (receiving ACARS at 131.550 MHz and ADS-B at 1090 MHz) through the DC32 ADS-B Badge (a Linux single-board computer with native ADS-B reception, GPS, dual-core processor, 128MB DDR3 RAM, 8GB eMMC, USB-C PD charging, and open-source firmware on GitHub) to the DC33 SAO add-on with VHF/FM radio reception. Supporting products include SAO accessories ($20-$80), the Son of Boris ADS-B Antenna Kit ($40, in collaboration with Airframes.io), and a Supporter Bundle at $350.

The revenue model combines three streams: corporate event sponsorships from a roster including Boeing, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, United Airlines, the TSA, A-ISAC, Cromulence, and various academic and government partners; merchandise sales of badges, SAOs, and antenna kits at conferences and via Tindie; and donations. The organization does not sell software, APIs, or services — its economic engine is community convening and hardware craftsmanship rather than commercial product revenue.

Name

Aerospace Village

Legal name

The Aerospace Village

Website

https://aerospacevillage.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Aerospace Village is a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2019 that convenes security researchers and aerospace industry stakeholders at DEF CON, RSA, WiCyS, and Blackhat through hands-on village spaces, CTF competitions, and annual custom electronic badges (ADS-B/ACARS receivers) under the #Badgelife initiative.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace Cybersecurity Community & Education

NAICS

Professional Organizations (81392), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms (IMABAMAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Systems & Drone Defense (IMABAIAG), UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid) (IMABAIAO)

Keywords

• Aerospace cybersecurity
• Security research community
• Capture the flag
• Custom hardware badges
• UAV security research

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Sponsorship: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded through donations and corporate sponsorships. Sponsors receive recognition at events and support the organization's mission to build aerospace cybersecurity community.
2. Merchandise Sales: Sale of custom electronic badges, SAO add-ons, and antenna kits at DEF CON events and via online platforms like Tindie. Badges serve as both educational tools and fundraising mechanisms.
3. Event Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors provide financial and material support for village operations in exchange for brand visibility at major cybersecurity conferences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Aerospace Village is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that promotes aerospace cybersecurity through village-style events at major conferences (DEF CON, RSA Conference, WiCyS, Blackhat), Capture the Flag competitions, and the sale of custom electronic badges (ADS-B/AvBadge) that double as educational platforms and fundraising merchandise. The organization bridges the security research community and aerospace industry via hands-on workshops, UAV research content, and corporate-sponsored challenges.

Product overview

Aerospace Village is a registered 501(c)(3) community organization that promotes aerospace cybersecurity through hardware products, educational content, and event participation. The core product line centers on electronic badges (AvBadge/ADS-B Badge) — Linux-powered wearable devices that receive and display aircraft data via ADS-B signals, GPS, and various radio protocols. Supporting products include SAO (Shitty Add-On) accessories, antenna kits, and educational UAV research series. The organization runs Capture the Flag competitions and hosts village spaces at major cybersecurity conferences (DEF CON, RSA, WiCyS) to foster community engagement around aviation and space security. The #Badgelife initiative represents both a product category (custom electronic badges) and a community movement supporting hardware hacking and soldering.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AvBadge (ADS-B Badge) A Linux single-board computer in badge form that natively receives and displays nearby aircraft using ADS-B signals at 1090 MHz. Features GPS, dual-core processor, 128MB DDR3 RAM, 8GB eMMC storage, USB-C PD charging, replaceable 18650 battery, and SAO expansion connector. Runs Linux and supports SSH access, keyboard input, video playback, and game emulation. Designed for security researchers and hackers interested in aerospace RF protocols.
• DC33 SAO (Rare Circuits Collaboration) A Shitty Add-On (SAO) board that extends the ADS-B Badge with Air-Band VHF audio reception via 3.5mm jack, FM radio stereo reception, and a 4-color OLED display. Retails for $80. Targeted at badge owners who want expanded RF reception capabilities.
• SAO Accessories (Winnebago SAO, Drone SAO) Collectible Shitty Add-On (SAO) pins that attach to the main badge. Winnebago SAO is a Spaceballs tribute priced at $20; Drone SAO is a decorative pin. Both serve as collectible hardware art for badge owners.
• Son of Boris the Spider ADS-B Antenna Kit External spider antenna kit for improved ADS-B signal reception when used with the AvBadge. Minimal assembly required. Developed in collaboration with Airframes.io. Retails for $40.
• Aerospace Village Supporter Bundle Bundle package including one ATC Radio SAO, one ADS-B Badge, one Winnebago SAO, and one Son of Boris the Spider Antenna Kit for $350. Includes skip-the-line perk at DEF CON and a photo opportunity with badge designers. Targeted at supporters who want the full badge experience.

Quantifiable outcome

• First dedicated aerospace cybersecurity village at DEF CON, established 2019
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• United AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 August 2024Sponsor of DEF CON 31 and 32 Aerospace Village. Provides aircraft cybersecurity expertise and supports community engagement between security researchers and airline industry professionals.
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 August 2024Active participant and sponsor hosting 'Detect a Threat' activity at DEF CON 32. TSA Administrator David Pekoske participated in fireside chat at DEF CON 31 discussing transportation screening equipment cybersecurity.
• Lockheed MartincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 August 2024Sponsor of DEF CON 32 Aerospace Village. Hosts 'The Challenge' CTF requiring aviation hacking knowledge and binary analysis skills, with prizes including F-35B model.
• Aviation ISAC (A-ISAC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 August 2024Partner hosting Aviation Cybersecurity Challenge CTF at DEF CON. Competition simulates compromised airport infrastructure on Cyber Skyline platform, developed with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
• BoeingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2023Major sponsor of Aerospace Village at DEF CON 31 and 32. Boeing hosts ARINC 615a and ARINC 664 CTF challenges focused on aircraft software loading and network security. Provides access to testing equipment and expertise for hands-on aviation security education.
• SpaceXcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2023Sponsor of DEF CON 31 Aerospace Village, supporting the mission to promote aerospace cybersecurity through community collaboration.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2023Academic partner providing aviation cybersecurity educational content. Students participate in village activities and competitions; university developed airport simulation for A-ISAC CTF.
• US Air Force and US Space ForcecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2023Sponsors of Hack-A-Sat competition series, world's first CTF in space. Competition enables security researchers to focus on space system cyber challenges with $100K prize purse.
• AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2023Sponsor of DEF CON 31, hosting 'Ask Me Anything' sessions on aerospace cybersecurity career guidance and industry expertise.
• Pen Test PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2023Security research firm that has presented multiple talks on aviation cybersecurity including IFE systems research and electronic flight bag security.
• Cal Poly California Cybersecurity InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2023Academic partner hosting Space Grand Challenge game-based CTF for middle and high school students, promoting aerospace cybersecurity education.
• IntelliGenesisminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 10 August 2023Cybersecurity firm supporting 'Hack the Airport' CTF with runway lighting system OT/IT environment and real-world protocols.
• CromulencecoreTechnology or Integration · 10 August 2023Provides Hack-A-Sat flatsat hardware and Digital Twin emulation platform for satellite security competition challenges.
• Space ISACminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2023Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center executive director Erin Miller participated in WiCyS 2023 panel on women in aerospace cybersecurity.
• AMSATminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2023Radio Amateurs of Satellite Corporation provides CubeSat simulator for hands-on satellite communication education at DEF CON.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• HackerOne: Bug-bounty and vulnerability disclosure platform widely used by aerospace primes. Adjacent to Aerospace Village's mission of responsible disclosure and researcher-industry bridge, though structured as a commercial platform rather than a community nonprofit.

Emerging players

• Pen Test Partners: UK-based cybersecurity consultancy with deep aviation cybersecurity research (IFE systems, electronic flight bags) that has presented at Aerospace Village events. Comparable as a commercial firm producing aviation-specific security research that engages the same researcher community.

Regional players

• Aviation ISAC (A-ISAC): Information Sharing and Analysis Center for the aviation sector and an active partner of Aerospace Village (co-hosts Aviation Cybersecurity Challenge CTF). Comparable in mission of convening aviation cybersecurity stakeholders, but structured as an industry ISAC rather than a volunteer community.
• Space ISAC: Information Sharing and Analysis Center for the space industry; Space ISAC executive director Erin Miller has participated in Aerospace Village panels. Comparable in fostering collaboration between security researchers and the space industry, though as a formal industry body rather than a volunteer village.

Direct peers

• Red Team Village: DEF CON village community around offensive security and red-teaming. Operates the same volunteer village format at DEF CON and adjacent conferences as Aerospace Village, with badge production and CTF programming.
• Biohacking Village: DEF CON village focused on healthcare and biotechnology security. Directly comparable volunteer-driven village model producing badges, hosting CTFs, and convening researchers and industry stakeholders in a specialized vertical.
• IoT Village: DEF CON village focused on IoT and embedded device security. Closely comparable in operating model (village at DEF CON, custom badges, hands-on hacking, vendor-researcher bridge) and in pursuing a vertical-specific security niche.
• ICS Village: Another DEF CON village focused on industrial control systems security. Directly comparable as a volunteer-driven, conference-anchored community organization that runs hands-on villages, hardware badges, and CTFs to bridge the gap between security researchers and a critical infrastructure industry.
• Car Hacking Village: DEF CON village dedicated to automotive cybersecurity. Closely parallels Aerospace Village in format (volunteer-run village, custom hardware badges, CTFs, hands-on workshops) and in bridging security researchers with a transportation-industry vertical.

Broad incumbents

• DEF CON Communications: Operator of the DEF CON conference itself, the umbrella event that hosts Aerospace Village. Broad incumbent whose village track model Aerospace Village operates within, and whose audience, badge culture, and CTF infrastructure enable the village's reach.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/secureaerospace
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/AerospaceVillage
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aerospace-village

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aerospace Village