Silent Threats in Orbit: Keeping Our Satellites Safe

Satellites are now more common than ever — thousands more are heading into orbit over the next decade. Projects aim to bring internet access to remote areas and improve environmental monitoring, which is great. But with that growth comes a serious cybersecurity problem. These systems rely heavily on off-the-shelf parts and software, often skipping deep security checks during development. The more pieces involved — from chip suppliers to software developers — the more chances there are for a flaw to slip in. And once a satellite is up, it’s hard to fix problems remotely. A breach could knock out services we depend on — from GPS to weather alerts — and damage the trust people have in space-based tech.

The real danger isn’t just in the software or hardware. It’s in how these systems are built and operated. A single weak link — like a flawed component or an unvetted software update — could be exploited by attackers. And because many satellites can adjust their orbits using thrusters, a cyberattack could steer one off course, causing a collision or disrupting its mission. Worse, hackers might jam signals or interfere with navigation, turning satellites into tools of disruption rather than support. Meanwhile, many operators hand off daily tasks — like monitoring data or applying patches — to third-party vendors. Those firms may not follow the same security rules, leaving gaps that could be exploited.

Key Security Risks in Satellite Design and Operations

• Off-the-Shelf Components: Small satellites often use common electronics that haven’t been tested for security. This makes them easy targets for supply chain attacks, where a bad actor inserts a backdoor into a part before it reaches the satellite.
• Open Source Software Risks: A lot of satellite software uses open-source code. While it helps developers share ideas, it also means flaws or hidden code can be seen by anyone — and if not carefully reviewed, could become a backdoor.
• Complex Supply Chains: A single satellite pulls together parts from dozens of suppliers. If one of them has a flaw, it can spread through the whole system, making it hard to trace or fix.
• Orbital Maneuverability as a Weapon: Some satellites can change orbits using thrusters. A cyberattack could use that to nudge a satellite into a dangerous path — possibly causing a collision or breaking its mission.
• Outsourced Operations: Many satellite operators rely on third parties to manage systems. If those vendors don’t follow strict security standards, the whole network becomes exposed.

Protecting space assets isn’t just about technology — it’s about trust. If we don’t act now, the next breach could go unnoticed until it’s too late.