About the Author
Sylvester Kaczmarek works on secure, interpretable, and explainable intelligence capabilities and next-generation secure data management for machines. Today, he architects edge AI/ML solutions for lunar mobility vehicles and other space-based systems to enable cost-effective, safe, and efficient observations, decisions, and actions that are paving the way for the upcoming $1 trillion space economy.
1. Introduction: The evolving role of cybersecurity in the space domain
1.1. Brief history of cybersecurity in space
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....
Spot-on for cybersecurity and space enthusiasts! Tracks the evolution from early space tech to current satellite vulnerabilities, covering the rise of space hacking.
A must-read for understanding cyber risks in space.