Cybersecurity for Space: A Guide to Foundations and Challenges

Space is one of the fastest growing military, government and industry sectors. Because everything in today’s world exists within or connected to cyberspace, there is a dire need to ensure cybersecurity is addressed in the burgeoning field of space operations. This revised and expanded edition will prime the reader with the knowledge needed to understand the unique challenges to space operations which affect the implementation of cybersecurity. Further, the reader will have foundational knowledge on what impacts cyber threats can have on space systems and how cybersecurity must rise to meet them. The author, who spent years in the United States Marine Corps, originally involved in satellite communications is now a seasoned cyber security practitioner who has provided cyber security vision and strategy to a large portfolio of systems and programs, many focused specifically in space. A published academic and experienced professional, he brings a practical, real-world and tempered approach to securing the final frontier. What You Will Learn Basic concepts of how different space vehicles operate in general. How such systems and their components integrate into cyberspace. A clear picture of the potential damage available via cyber-attacks to such systems. Basic efforts to mitigate such cyber threats will be presented through the various portions of space operations. Foundational issues at the intersection of the space and cyber domains Table of Contents About the Author About the Technical Reviewer Foreword Chapter 1: Space Systems Tipping Point An Introduction to Space Systems The Ground Station Design SV Design Ground Station Functionality SV Functionality Space System Architectures Conclusion Chapter 2: Space Challenges Environmental Challenges Radiation Temperature Space Objects and Collisions Vacuum Gravity Operational Challenges Testing Launch Deployment Detumble Power Emanations Radio Frequency De-orbit Conclusion Chapter 3: Low Earth Orbit LEO, SmallSats, and the General Challenges of Space Environmental Challenges Radiation Temperature Space Objects Gravity Operational Challenges Testing Launch Deployment Stabilizing Power Unique Aspects of LEO and SmallSats Communications Ground Footprint Persistence Mission Persistence Communications LEO Mesh Space Systems The Challenge of the Mesh The Anomaly Conclusion Chapter 4: Other Space Vehicles Medium Earth Orbit Geostationary Orbit Multi-orbit Constellations Special Systems Weapons Human Aboard Extraterrestrial Deep Space Conclusion Chapter 5: Targeting Target Selection Methods Opportunity Ownership Function Specificity Intent Collection Redirection Subversion Theft Disable Mission Classification Taxonomy Sensing Radio Waves Microwave Radiation Infrared Radiation Visible Light Ultraviolet Radiation, X-Ray, and Gamma Radiation Emitting Detrimental Overt Covert Beneficial Transit Cargo Passenger Communication Weapon Taxonomy Conclusion Chapter 6: Pre-operational Vectors Design Confidentiality Non-cyber Cyber Integrity Non-cyber Cyber Availability Non-cyber Cyber Development Confidentiality Non-cyber Cyber Integrity Non-cyber Cyber Availability Non-cyber Cyber Supply Chain Interdiction Confidentiality Non-cyber Cyber Integrity Non-cyber Cyber Availability Non-cyber Cyber Testing and Validation Confidentiality Non-cyber Cyber Integrity Non-cyber Cyber Availability Non-cyber Cyber General Interdiction Conclusion Chapter 7: Operational Vectors Between Ground and Space Confidentiality Non-cyber Cyber Integrity Non-cyber Cyber Availability Non-cyber Cyber Between Space and Space Confidentiality Non-cyber Cyber Integrity Non-cyber Cyber Availability Non-cyber Cyber Between Bus and Payload Confidentiality Non-cyber Cyber Integrity Non-cyber Cyber Availability Non-cyber Cyber Flight and Operation Confidentiality Non-cyber Cyber Integrity Non-cyber Cyber Availability Non-cyber Cyber Analysis and Dissemination Confidentiality Non-cyber Cyber Integrity Non-cyber Cyber Availability Non-cyber Cyber Consumers Confidentiality Non-cyber Cyber Integrity Availability Non-cyber Cyber Conclusion Chapter 8: Exploiting Spacecraft Safeguards Watchdogs Gold Copies Fall Back Encryption Resource Limits Power Non-cyber Threat to Power 1 Non-cyber Threat to Power 2 Cyber Threat to Power 1 Cyber Threat to Power 2 Communication Non-cyber Threat to Communication 1 Non-cyber Threat to Communication 2 Cyber Threat to Communication 1 Cyber Threat to Communication 2 Navigation Non-cyber Threat to Navigation 1 Non-cyber Threat to Navigation 2 Cyber Threat to Navigation 1 Cyber Threat to Navigation 2 De-orbit Non-cyber Threat to De-orbit Cyber Threat to De-orbit 1 Cyber Threat to De-orbit 2 Non-LEO Space Systems Weapons Non-cyber Threat to Weapons Cyber Threat to Weapons Crewed Non-cyber Threat to Crewed Cyber Threat to Crewed Extraterrestrial Non-cyber Threat to Extraterrestrial Cyber Threat to Extraterrestrial Deep Space Non-cyber Threat to Deep Space Cyber Threat to Deep Space Conclusion Chapter 9: Exploiting Payloads Sensing Missions Radio Signal Non-cyber Cyber Terrestrial Photo-Imagery Non-cyber Cyber Terrestrial Thermal-Imagery Non-cyber Cyber Terrestrial Monitoring Non-cyber Cyber Space Monitoring Non-cyber Cyber Space Imaging Non-cyber Cyber Emitting Missions Positioning Non-cyber Cyber Jamming Non-cyber Cyber Communication Missions Broadcast Non-cyber Cyber Pipe Non-cyber Cyber Weapon Missions Non-cyber Cyber Life Support Non-cyber Cyber Other Mission Threats Watchdog Abuse Bus/Payload Comms Conclusion Chapter 10: Compromise Microanalysis A Series of Unfortunate Events The Plan Targeting Personal Computer How Why Phone How Why Lab Computer How Why Ground Station Computer How Why Payload Computer How Why Data Handler How Why SDR How Why Conclusion Chapter 11: Compromise Macroanalysis Initial Ground Station How Why Payload Computer 1 How Why Payload Ground Network How Why Flight Computer How Why Flight Ground Network How Why Payload Computer 2 How Why Mesh How Why Conclusion Chapter 12: Architecture Data Classification Levels System Ownership Architectural Segmentation Payload A Payload B Conclusion Chapter 13: Compromise TREKS SPARTA Mapping a Compromise Reconnaissance Resource Development Known Compromises ROSAT Hack NASA Landsat Hack VIASAT KA-SAT Hack Hack-a-Sat Conclusion Chapter 14: Summary The Cost Problem The Culture Problem Supply Chain Problems The Cyber Warfare Problem The Test Problem The Adaptation Problem The Defense in Depth Problem The Modernization Problem The Failure Analysis Problem The Disclosure Problem Conclusion Index