Cybersecurity Measures in Modern Space Exploration

1. Introduction: The evolving role of cybersecurity in the space domain

1.1. Transforming cybersecurity from space age to digital era

In the dawn of the space age, during the mid-20th century, the primary concerns were propulsion, navigation, and basic communication. The rudimentary computer systems of early spacecraft were not networked in the way we understand today, and the concept of 'hacking' such a system was almost science fiction. However, as technology advanced, so did the complexity of space systems. By the late 20th century, satellites had become integral to global communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. With the advent of the internet and the proliferation of digital technology, these satellites became potential targets. Early instances of satellite jamming in the 1990s and 2000s underscored the need for enhanced security measures. The recent cyberattacks on space assets, such as those on ViaSat and Starlink satellites during the Russia-Ukraine war, underscore the escalating stakes and the growing urgency of cybersecurity in the space sector. The reliance on these assets for critical infrastructure and services further amplifies the potential impact of such cyber threats, extending the concern far beyond the space sector to the very fabric of modern society.

1.2. The cybersecurity challenge in the era of space commercialization and exploration

The dawn of the 21st century has brought with it a remarkable escalation in space activities. Alongside traditional space powers expanding their reach, private entities like SpaceX, Blue Origin,....