Public-Private Sector Partnerships For Space Systems Innovation And Security

Space is a growing commercial critical infrastructure sector dependent on both public and private resources and expertise. Public-private cooperation is essential to the successful growth and secure operations of the space sector.

The components of space systems are focused on the operation of satellites (both information-gathering and backhaul data-processing) and include the systems to launch them. The space ecosystem is also made up of ground station antennas or receptors, flight operations stations, data centers for housing transmitted data, and payload data processing facilities.

Satellites are becoming increasingly important to communication needs. For information sharing and monitoring, nations rely more on space as a burgeoning and mission-critical frontier. Many networks are now moving from terrestrial (land-based) communications to cloud-based communications, which use satellites to send data across large distances.

Public Private Partnerships and The High Frontier

A new paradigm for space systems that integrates public and private efforts can be made possible by the government encouraging investment through grants and public-private partnerships (PPPs). Setting space research and development as a top priority will result in a hub for sophisticated manufacturing and new capabilities.

For government operations to successfully deliver necessary services and benefits, public-private partnerships are vital. These collaborations can lower expenses for agencies, streamline operations, and readily scale in response to fluctuations in demand.

Companies can share their R&D expertise to assist in filling the gaps in government funding. For the next generation of scientists and engineers who will lead and succeed, combining public and private sector funding and research pipelines can also create a competitive, long-lasting bridge

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

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

Accelerating the innovation required to address our challenges in space will be made possible by strengthening the public-private relationship through open collaboration, best practices, and shared research and development. Space systems innovation will benefit from a collaboration between public and commercial players that involves 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) work together to produce the yearly State of the Space Industrial Base report. The four space technology drivers get together to determine the industry’s level of maturity and scope in providing essential space technologies and to 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 manner in which new applications of technology can impact the achievements of our space are still in the initial stages. There is no doubt that public-private collaborations in space systems will propel space exploration along with being the backbone of digital sensing and communications. It will be a journey of discovery and achievement.

The Security Mission:

Because of our increasing reliance on space, and 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 try to interfere with 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 moving 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 expands 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 sadly inadequately protected.

Cybersecurity in space systems is related to cybersecurity in all sector verticals. Adversaries can use a variety of tactics to interfere with or take down satellite and ground-based systems. There are several ways for hackers to breach Earth-bound entry points thanks to satellite operations. Long-range telemetry is required for satellite systems to communicate with ground stations, which is one of its disadvantages. 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 the target of 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 special 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.

The security of space systems can be improved in a number of ways. These consist of multi-check log-in procedures for Internet-of-Things 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 who interact 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 hires, develops, 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 dangers to their orbiting assets. Cyberattacks, electronic jamming, physical anti-satellite weapons, and ground-based directed energy weapons are examples of space-based dangers.

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 stage, the program will be implemented progressively, 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 in securing the High Frontier and published the first edition of its Space Security Best Practices Guide in December 2023 with the goal of bolstering mission cybersecurity efforts for space activities in the public and private sectors. The guide is in line with the Space System Protection Standard, which summarizes NASA’s continuous dedication to supporting the creation of exact cybersecurity standards for its space systems. The manual was developed by the agency to support the goals of Space Policy Directive 5, Cybersecurity Principles for Space Systems.

Space systems are also part of the public-private partnership homeland security mission. A couple of years back, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security formed a Space Systems Critical Infrastructure Working Group. The group, which brings together stakeholders in the key infrastructure of the space system, is composed of industry and government officials and operates under the direction of the Key Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council. It was an honor for me to be a part of that working group and recommendations and actions on cybersecurity for space systems.

Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) are now facilitating a number of industry-specific public/private partnerships that assist critical infrastructure owners and operators (in collaboration with the government) in safeguarding their facilities, employees, and clients against physical and cybersecurity threats, among other dangers. This includes the space realm.

In order to improve our capacity to anticipate and address vulnerabilities, incidents, and threats, the Space ISAC helps the global space industry collaborate. It also disseminates timely and actionable information among its member entities and acts as the sector’s main communications channel for this information.

The only source of all-threats security information for the public and private space sectors is Space ISAC. For information, facts, and analysis on space security and risks to space assets, it will be the most complete, one-stop shop. Additionally, Space ISAC will support response, mitigation, and resilience programs with resources and analysis. (see About Us – Space ISAC)

It is obvious that safeguarding space-based assets from cyberattacks is a national security necessity that both business and government must address. Security must be an afterthought while we develop and continue to construct the satellite backbone that will direct our economic prosperity and safety for the ensuing decades.

This will be a remarkably interesting and revolutionary decade for science and innovative technology, including for space. Strategic collaboration between government and industry stakeholders is a proven model that makes good sense. The public and private sectors must keep funding and extending collaboration in the rapidly changing landscape with research and development and exploration in order to solve the numerous issues that lie ahead and enhance our quality of life and safety. Securing space needs to be a forward-thinking priority as the industry develops further.