Space Cybersecurity

Abstract

As space-based infrastructure increasingly becomes essential to global communication, navigation, security, and commerce, the rise of cyber threats aimed at satellites and their supporting systems poses a significant risk to national and international stability. This study delves into the evolving threat landscape and examines the approaches taken by the United States, China, and the European Union to safeguard space assets from cyberattacks. The paper underscores key vulnerabilities throughout the space ecosystem—encompassing satellites, ground control, telemetry, and user devices—and contrasts national cybersecurity strategies regarding governance models, civil-military integration, private sector roles, and international collaboration. It identifies critical regulatory shortcomings, including the lack of binding global norms, inconsistent oversight of commercial entities, and the absence of standardized incident reporting mechanisms. To tackle these challenges, the study puts forth several recommendations: (1) the establishment of a multilateral treaty on cyber norms for space, (2) the development of global standards for commercial cybersecurity compliance, (3) the creation of a reliable incident reporting framework, (4) the enhancement of public-private partnerships for threat mitigation, and (5) the integration of cybersecurity considerations into launch licensing and export controls. Without harmonized policies and cooperative governance, the space domain could become the next arena for unchecked cyber conflict. This study calls for urgent, coordinated action to ensure that space remains a secure and sustainable environment for innovation, security, and human progress.