Does ITAR or the EAR apply to our satellite program?▼
Spacecraft and related technical data have historically been controlled under ITAR Category XV, while some commercial satellites and components moved to the EAR's 9x515 and 600-series entries. Which applies to your hardware is a classification question for your export compliance lead or trade counsel, not your IT provider. Once that call is made, we build the systems to enforce it: who can access what, where data can be shared and how you prove it. We don't make the jurisdiction decision for you.
What does NASA's IT security clause require from us?▼
NASA FAR Supplement clause 1852.204-76 applies when your contract work requires access to NASA systems or involves unclassified NASA information technology resources. It ties contractors to NASA IT security requirements, including security plans and related obligations defined in the contract. The exact scope depends on your contract, so we start by reading it with your contracts lead. Then we map which of your systems are affected and put the plans and controls in place to meet those terms.
Is GCC High worth it for a space startup?▼
Not always, but it's a common choice for companies handling ITAR data or CUI under DFARS 252.204-7012, because of how Microsoft handles data location and support staff screening in that environment. Some companies keep a commercial tenant for general work and use GCC High as an enclave for controlled programs. We walk through your contracts, data types and collaboration needs, then recommend the setup that fits. Licensing is more expensive and slower to provision, so it's worth deciding early.
Will you touch our ground station or flight software systems?▼
No. We secure the IT side and the boundary: the network those systems connect to, the workstations operators use, remote access paths, logging and backups of supporting data. Configuration inside ground station equipment, command and control software or anything that talks to the spacecraft stays with your mission ops and flight software engineers, or the equipment vendor. When a network or access change affects their systems, we plan it with them and schedule it around passes and operations.
How do we handle foreign national employees and partners?▼
Your export compliance lead decides who is authorized for which data, sometimes based on licenses or technical assistance agreements. We turn those decisions into identity groups and access rules in your systems, so controlled folders, repositories and channels only open to the right people. We also separate collaboration spaces for controlled and uncontrolled work and review access whenever someone's role, license or citizenship status changes. That gives your compliance team an audit trail instead of a spreadsheet.
What should we prepare before a launch campaign?▼
A few weeks out, we confirm which laptops and people are traveling, update and encrypt every device and install the software and VPN profiles the campaign needs. If the launch provider or range requires device registration or has network rules, we sort that out ahead of time. Controlled data stays in the enclave and gets accessed remotely rather than copied to local drives. We pack a spare laptop and a hotspot, and you have a number to call while you're on site.
Do you provide Space & Satellite Companies IT Services in Houston and nearby areas?▼
Yes. LayerLogix is based in the Greater Houston area and delivers space & satellite companies IT services to businesses across Houston and the surrounding communities, including The Woodlands, Spring, Katy, Sugar Land, Conroe, Cypress, and Pearland. For most Houston-area clients we can be on-site the same day when something needs hands-on attention, and our help desk is available during business hours, with after-hours emergency support. Call 713-571-2390 to check coverage for your specific address.
What does Space & Satellite Companies IT Services cost for a Houston business?▼
Pricing depends on your size and what you need, so we do not publish a one-size-fits-all number — but Houston businesses generally pay a flat, predictable monthly fee rather than surprise hourly bills. We start with a free, no-obligation assessment of your current setup, then give you a clear quote in plain English with no hidden costs. That way you know exactly what you are getting and what it costs before you commit.