The elements of space systems are centered around the operation of satellites (both data-collecting and backhaul data-processing) and include the systems used to launch them. The space ecosystem also consists of ground station antennas or receivers, flight operations centers, data centers for storing transmitted data, and payload data processing facilities.

Satellites are growing ever more significant to communication requirements. For information sharing and monitoring, countries depend more on space as a developing and crucial frontier. Many networks are transitioning from terrestrial (land-based) communications to cloud-based communications, which utilize satellites to transmit data over vast distances.

Public Private Partnerships and The High Frontier

A new approach for space systems that combines public and private efforts can be facilitated by the government promoting investment via grants and public-private partnerships (PPPs). Prioritizing space research and development will result in a hub for advanced manufacturing and new capabilities.

For government operations to effectively deliver necessary services and benefits, public-private partnerships are essential. These collaborations can reduce costs for agencies, streamline operations, and easily scale in response to changes in demand.

Companies can share their R&D expertise to help fill gaps in government funding. Combining public and private sector funding and research pipelines can also create a competitive, enduring bridge for the next generation of scientists and engineers who will lead and succeed.

According to Karen L. Jones, a senior project leader with The Aerospace Corporation’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy, U.S. government agencies should form alliances with the private sector for satellite communications, navigation, Earth monitoring, solar system exploration, and other space applications to reduce costs and risks. By sharing risk with the private sector in return for performance-based rewards, these public-private partnerships (P3) can leverage commercial efficiencies and innovation.

The private sector can significantly contribute to delivering satellite communications, navigation, Earth monitoring, solar system exploration, and other space applications at lower risk and cost, as governments seek to enhance their capabilities in these areas. By utilizing commercial economies and innovation, these public-private partnerships can offer government agencies substantial benefits. The private sector shares risk with the government in exchange for performance-based rewards. (see Partnerships_Rev_5-4-18.pdf)

Strengthening the public-private relationship through open collaboration, best practices, and shared research and development will accelerate the innovation needed to tackle our challenges in space. Space systems innovation will benefit from collaboration between public and commercial entities involving information and risk sharing. Combining R&D financing and pipelines from the public and commercial sectors can also create a competitive, long-lasting bridge that will enable the next generation of scientists and engineers to lead and accomplish.

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), NASA, the Space Force, and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) collaborate annually to produce the State of the Space Industrial Base report. These four space technology drivers come together to assess the industry's maturity and scope in providing essential space technologies and establish growth priorities. The report concluded that "the greatest investors in the new space economy are not space companies," the authors wrote. "Rather, they are Fortune 500 companies that understand how to turn new space capabilities into products, software, and services that give them a strategic advantage in the global marketplace." (see US Space Agencies Call for Public-Private Partnerships - Payload)

It is encouraging to see the government working with the private sector to develop strategies and programs involving a variety of cutting-edge technologies in crucial fields like robotics, materials science, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, quantum computing, big data & analytics, 5G, energy, and, of course, digital security. With sustained cooperation and investment, innovation will pick up speed and our rapidly evolving technological future will be accelerated.

The way new applications of technology can impact space achievements is still in its early stages. There is no doubt that public-private collaborations in space systems will drive space exploration and serve as the backbone of digital sensing and communications. It will be a journey of discovery and achievement.

The Security Mission:

Due to our increasing reliance on space, particularly satellites, for communications, security, intelligence, and commerce, as well as the exponential growth of digital transformation, satellite and space systems security is becoming increasingly important.

A higher level of public-private collaboration is needed through PPPs to address the changing cyberthreat scenario for vital space systems infrastructure. The management of satellite and space security risks is a major concern for the public and corporate sectors.

Both national security and the US economy are at risk from cyberattacks that attempt to disrupt and impair US satellite communications, remote sensing, and imaging capabilities.

There have been more satellite launches in recent years. Due to their low Earth orbit, thousands of satellites are vulnerable to incursions from both above and below. Because satellites can transmit data across vast, worldwide distances, many communication networks are currently shifting from terrestrial (land-based) to cloud-based communications. Over 500,000 petabytes of data will be carried by 25,000 satellites launched by 2030.

As the United States extends its communications, sensing, and security mission into the high frontier of space, the systems and networks will face persistent cybersecurity threats. The safety of critical infrastructure will be aided by space cybersecurity, as many platforms are unfortunately inadequately protected.

Cybersecurity in space systems is linked to cybersecurity in all sector verticals. Adversaries can use various tactics to interfere with or disable satellite and ground-based systems. There are multiple ways for hackers to breach Earth-bound entry points due to satellite operations. Long-range telemetry is required for satellite systems to communicate with ground stations, which is one of its drawbacks. Cybercriminals have access to the open protocols that deliver the uplinks and downlinks.

Compromised ground stations can lead to network components that are susceptible to intrusions by threat actors, which in turn causes vulnerabilities in space vehicles. Satellites are targets for ransomware, zero-day, and man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks. The same software defects that have plagued computer systems for decades can also affect space systems; file upload issues, backdoors, spoofing, remote code execution (RCE), unsecured protocols, spoofing, hijacking, SQL injection, and insecure authentication are of particular concern.

These threats have recently increased in size and scope, especially with artificial intelligence-enabled attacks. To combat these threats, our space cyber toolkit must include the newest technological solutions, well-implemented policy free from unfunded mandates, a strong workforce prepared to handle space/cyber issues in the twenty-first century, suitable procurement vehicles to quickly onboard solutions, and a firm grasp of our space cyber supply chain.

Addressing the threats requires incorporating a robust calculated security strategy of public and private sector partnering based on layered vigilance and protections, readiness, and resilience. To ensure safe and successful operations, cybersecurity risks involving commercial space, including those affecting commercial satellite vehicles, must be understood and managed alongside other types of risks. Preparation and commitment from both government and industry leadership are critical. Industry should collaborate with the government to best utilize risk management models.

The current national security space leadership risk management framework goals of the United States aim to enhance space asset resilience against hostile offensive operations by fostering a safe environment with cybersecurity interoperability in collaboration with U.S. cybersecurity organizations and businesses. In order to encourage the creation and uptake of best practices and risk mitigations, an adaptive framework requires working in conjunction with interaction, allied, partner, and commercial space system operators.

The framework posture also aims to improve the comprehension of cybersecurity and incorporate space equities and goals into U.S. postures at cybersecurity and other international forums. It also encourages proper physical security measures in addition to comprehensive, risk-based cybersecurity techniques for threats to ground- and space-based systems.

Space system security can be enhanced in several ways. These include multi-factor login procedures for IoT devices, robust identity and access management, security by design, and the deployment of an extensive Zero Trust supply chain risk management program for all software users and vendors interacting with the satellite systems.

A strong intrusion detection system (IDS) should serve as the foundation of a cyber-resilient satellite. Telemetry, command sequences, command receiver status, shared bus traffic, and flight software settings should all be continuously monitored by the IDS.

An increasing awareness of space cyber and kinetic threats is shown in the establishment of the United States Space Force and United States SpaceCom in 2019. SpaceCom carries out operations while the Space Force recruits, trains, and equips personnel.

An intelligence-sharing initiative was recently established by the U.S. Space Force's procurement arm to alert commercial satellite operators to any threats to their orbiting assets. Cyberattacks, electronic jamming, physical anti-satellite weapons, and ground-based directed energy weapons are examples of space-based threats.

More than 900 space enterprises registered through the Space Systems Command's "Front Door" portal will receive unclassified threat data under the new initiative, "Orbital Watch," regardless of whether they have security clearances or government contracts.

During its beta phase, the program will be implemented gradually, starting with quarterly threat information dissemination. The goal of Orbital Watch, according to Front Door initiative head Victor Vigliotti, is to "increase collective situational awareness and strengthen collaboration with commercial space providers." Establishing a safe "commercial portal" that facilitates the exchange of threat intelligence between government and private entities is the ultimate goal. (see Space Force announces 'Orbital Watch' program to share intelligence with commercial sector - SpaceNews)

NASA also plays a significant role

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