Satellite Security

Satellite Security is a specialized domain of cybersecurity focused on protecting space-based assets, their communication links, and their ground control infrastructure from cyber threats. It involves safeguarding the entire satellite ecosystem—from the satellite itself (the space segment) to the ground stations that command it (the ground segment) and the radio frequency links that connect them (the link segment). Practitioners in this field work to prevent and mitigate attacks such as signal jamming, spoofing, hijacking, and data interception to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of services critical to global navigation, communication, and national security.

1. Fundamentals of Satellite Security
   1. Introduction to Satellite Systems
      1. Definition and Purpose of Satellites
      2. Historical Development of Satellite Technology
      3. Modern Satellite Applications
   2. The Satellite Ecosystem Architecture
      1. Space Segment Overview
         1. Satellite Platform Components
         2. Orbital Mechanics Basics
         3. Satellite Classifications by Orbit
            1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
            2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
            3. Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)
            4. Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO)
         4. Satellite Classifications by Function
            1. Communication Satellites
            2. Navigation Satellites
            3. Earth Observation Satellites
            4. Scientific Research Satellites
            5. Military and Intelligence Satellites
      2. Ground Segment Overview
         1. Mission Control Centers
         2. Tracking Stations
         3. Data Processing Facilities
         4. User Terminals
         5. Network Operations Centers
      3. Link Segment Overview
         1. Uplink Communications
         2. Downlink Communications
         3. Inter-satellite Links
         4. Radio Frequency Spectrum Usage
   3. Core Security Principles in Space Systems
      1. Confidentiality
         1. Data Protection Requirements
         2. Information Classification Levels
         3. Privacy Considerations
      2. Integrity
         1. Data Integrity Mechanisms
         2. Command Integrity Verification
         3. System State Integrity
      3. Availability
         1. Service Continuity Requirements
         2. Redundancy Strategies
         3. Fault Tolerance Design
      4. Authentication
         1. Entity Authentication
         2. Message Authentication
         3. Cryptographic Authentication Methods
      5. Authorization
         1. Access Control Models
         2. Permission Management
         3. Privilege Escalation Prevention
      6. Non-repudiation
         1. Audit Trail Requirements
         2. Digital Signature Implementation
         3. Evidence Preservation
   4. Unique Challenges of Space Security
      1. Physical Environment Constraints
         1. Radiation Effects
         2. Temperature Extremes
         3. Vacuum Conditions
         4. Micrometeorite Impact
      2. Communication Limitations
         1. Signal Propagation Delays
         2. Limited Bandwidth
         3. Intermittent Connectivity
         4. Line-of-Sight Requirements
      3. Maintenance and Update Challenges
         1. Remote System Management
         2. Limited Physical Access
         3. Long Mission Lifespans
         4. Hardware Replacement Impossibility
      4. Regulatory and Legal Complexities
         1. International Space Law
         2. Spectrum Allocation Issues
         3. Cross-border Data Flow
         4. Liability Concerns