Abstract

The advancement of innovations, views, and funding alters the outer milieu by making it more accessible to many individuals. The majority of additional and projected launchers and clusters will expand the in orbitpopulation by multitudes, broadening the hazard picture for the space industry. With our daily way of life depending on assets, there is a greater need to understand space systems' cyber security properties. As internet connections continue to grow, there is a significant growth in cyber-attack incidences, resulting in ravaging and severe consequences. Spacecraft are sophisticated systems that include an onboard data bus, essential components like attitude detection and control mechanisms, and payloads (Suloway, Visner & Kordella,2020). Surface and wireless communications were the most famous victims. Still, as space-based systems expand in the subsequent decades, the attention may turn to orbital portions that should be handled. The paper explores the vulnerabilities of space vehicles. By understanding the openness of space vehicles, different methods can be implemented to mitigate the threats and protect future systems.

Cyber Security Vulnerabilities in Space Vehicles

Introduction

The changing dynamics and developing ideas are what encompasses the space industry. The launching of the Russian satellites in 1957 marked the start of a new age for civilization, demonstrating that we, too, might master space. Until recently, the space industry was dominated by a small number of nations that developed prominent, costly constellations with lengthy helpful lifespans. The relevant data on satellites was strictly guarded to impede adversaries' defense capacity. However, recent technological advancements, faster research and development procedures, and cheaper launch costs have made the space sector a highly valued resource for many organizations. It has sparked private-sector interest and brought various investors and initiatives to the table (Manulis, Bridges, Harrison, Sekar & Davis,2021). Because of the rapid incorporation of standard modules and components, while making space travel more affordable and widespread, the number of small satellites launched in the United States in 2021 is expected to be around 2944. ("UCS Satellite Database," 2022). Many firms take more risks with their satellites, resulting in more innovations. As the scale and substance of space missions evolve, ensuring the systems are secure against the recent technological advancements has proved to be a vital part of development.

Similarly, the growth of cyber technologies in the United States has provided incomparable data convenience. Together space and cyber technologies have aided the rapid success of space technologies such as satellite communications, Global Positioning Systems, Space-based intelligence, weather data fused with global data networks, and databases have allowed data sharing (Bichler,2015). The procurement and operations communities have regarded information security, links, and space systems as secondary. Many of these technologies have remained in the inventory today, having been built with insecure models making them vulnerable to cyber security threats the paper deals with the vulnerabilities in space vehicles and ways of mitigating them. Even though there are many developing dangers to space, this study concentrates on cybersecurity threats owing to the interconnected structure of corporate and armed forces facilities. Both country sovereignty and nonentities are carrying out cyber attacks on space operations. As studies on free and open-source information on flaws grow, so do the assaults. The absence of intervention is not even an alternative, and all government essential space technologies must be reinforced against cyber risks.

Background

Overview of Space systems

Space systems comprise the space and ground segments, which communicate through radio frequencies signals. The space section includes satellites or groups of satellites in orbit. Satellites are pieces of technology intended to serve a specific purpose and a bus that holds the payloads and the accompanying satellite components. The ground segment includes all grounded features that gather or transmit Radio Frequencysignals, oversee and manage satellites, and distribute payload and telemetry information to remote users (Manulis, Bridges, Harrison, Sekar & Davis,2021). Ground segments include ground stations that overlook task procedures and payload and telestial networks that integrate different ground systems and distribute data collected by payloads. Space Vehicles launched from the United States require two independent tracking sources to satisfy a range of safety requirements. The two tracking sources have been radar and Inertial measurement units.

The Ministry of Defence and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and corporate enterprises have created disposable launch vehicles that could be utilized to send satellites into space. Many space vehicles are intended to take a particular cargo into orbit. They are made up of numerous sections that separate in succession when the vehicle acquires momentum and orientation, and the fuel runs out. Governments continuously carry out research and innovation with the increasing maintenance and operational support cost.

The developing threat in Cyberspace

The cyber capabilities of many governments have increased over the current years. The principles decompose into several actions that a company must control to achieve an effective cyber security plan. The methods for putting the concepts into action have been devised for many information technology networks, but they are still in the works for space systems (Bailey et al.,2019). Cyber threats offer a significant and multifaceted risk because of the lack of warning and the speed with which an attacker attacks, the difficulties of identification, and the ramifications of carrying out a corresponding reaction.

There are numerous hzards to the welfareof space systems, ranging from the harsh circumstances of outer space to individual risks carried out by a person. While some effects are manageable and reversible, some are incredibly catastrophic, resulting in the inability to use a design (Matei,2021). The dwellers of cyber security are availability, confidentiality, and integrity. Initially, many orbital technologies, like all telecommunications, comprised analog equipment that could not provide the same prospects for hackers due to a complete lack of programming with coding flaws and the ability to access the system casually. However, advanced space assets have also become digitized as technologies have improved. It has made them vulnerable to attack by multiple countries and organized criminals. According to Bailey et al., 2019 government assets are not alone in being the target, given the military's dependence on commercial space systems to heighten bandwidth. Cyber-attacks on commercial space systems are also a concern. Many of these attacks represent a threat to space assets, depending on the antagonist's expertise and intentions and the purpose of the space mission. The increasing speed at which hackers' potentiality increases is a cause of concern as most of our governments' dependence on space systems cyber security should be a priority.

Space Vehicles attack surface

Traditionally, space vehicles are parts that interpret, preserve, and transmit information, serving as an attack surface. Many spacecraft features incorporate hardware and software to operate in space. While the program is being developed on the ground, it is vulnerable to the same dangers as traditional integrated systems. The spacecraft itself could be equated to a space-based internet of things device. Many adversaries want to attack numerous vulnerabilities to access and use space capabilities. The multiple components that comprise the space vehicle are interrelated and can be utilized to an adversary's advantage. Many adversaries are expected to employ similar assault methods and patterns for the space vehicle for several conventional technology infrastructures. Many of the flight software is targeted mainly than other subsystems. Flight software-based attacks have been seen to extend throughout the whole mission ( Tsamis, Bailey & Falco,2021). The Flight software is reprogrammable during the assignment; therefore, many hackers have time to post-launch operations during the development on the ground to put their evil reasoning into action. Hardware-based threats are generally limited to the before launch phase, where widespread direct connection.

Cyber Security Vulnerabilities in Current Space Systems

Space systems are subject to cyber threats and other suitable attack modes such as orbiting, kinetic, and radar systems. The standard IT surveillance technique faces some unique problems in space. Within the design of a space system, cyberattacks can be launched across several sectors, including orbit, information systems and organizations, and the surface. Vulnerabilities to space systems and infrastructure vary depending on the range of attack surfaces. Because space systems in low and medium orbits have limited contact with the grounded central control room, regular screening and surveillance are difficult. The attack surface is growing more prominent as many space systems connect to ground-based users and assets.

Advanced Persistent Threats

These are risks that have a long-term impact on the system. They are used to steal important information from a corporate or government target over an extended period. As a result, such threats must go unnoticed, need a high level of sophistication, and are primarily the work of nation-state-backed hackers as the spacecraft is...

Current Cyber Security Mitigation Techniques

Space launch vehicles Atlas and Delta are being phased out, and new launch vehicles are obtained. The priority of the governments and states is to maintain program security to best ensure that critical government payload. Security protocols should be employed to curb information security or insider threats (Zhang,2020). Cyber security is essential in ensuring nations' infrastructure; adopting stronger protections and reducing risks will help minimize security vulnerabilities across the government functions.

Some of the mitigation techniques include:

Management of Authentication Mechanism

NASA has taken several initiatives to enhance the cybersecurity of all space assets. NASA's deployment of more rigid network access controls throughout their suppliers, researchers, and allied areas has prevented some phishing attacks used by personnel to obtain identities and retrieve sensitive proprietary property (Falco,2018). From cyber threats, space vehicles ought to be able to retain telecommunication, orbit, and energy to mission-critical subsystems.

Advanced Protective Personnel

NASA has formed teams that work primarily on the security of its mission systems across its space assets development centers. NASA established the Cyber Defense Engineering and Research Group to address mission systems, which frequently have unparalleled expert knowledge in task frameworks. It facilitates personalized assessment and protective measures for all these space assets in the same way conventional safety teams safeguard cloud services' relevant data. The group aims to develop tools and methods that may be used across several operation platforms to cut costs and improve protection.

Using the Right Security Features and fostering a security culture

Encryption allows for personal connectivity that is only viewable to those with the encryption algorithm. Encryption serves as the first layer of protection from cybercriminals who want to infiltrate or eavesdrop on transmissions. Pavur (2021), in his research in Securing New Space: On Satellite Cyber-Security, has presented a new approach to encrypting satellite communications over tunneling mechanisms. Such as PEP/ using VPN hybrid uses the advantages of open QUIC protocols standards to provide encrypted UDP tunnels for the satellites launches. The new approach is fully independent. It allows many individuals to run their servers without sharing sensitive information or convincing their ISPS to implement costly modifications to their existing network infrastructure.

Physical controls, network perimeter security, computer network defense, and securing coding standards are examples of safety techniques that protect the ground system from cyber attacks by leveraging proven IT principles. That has demonstrated high-value return and protection, such as physical controls, network primeter security, computer network defense, and coding standards (Tsamis, Bailey, Falco,2021). When designed, protections are removed during fail-safe scenarios. The ground-to-space C2 link and any cross-links are protected by preventing and detecting jamming, spoofing, command replay attacks, and bypass modes.

Getting Involved with the Security Research Field

The Cyber Defense Engineering and Research Group collaborates with other groups to conduct various security tests on mission system software as educational exercises for students. Space asset mission system security can be methodically updated by enhancing communication with the vast defense scientific community. However, private space assets companies are not transparent about their cyber security measures, allowing penetration testers and ethical hackers to discover weaknesses in space vehicles. Regrettably, the flaws go unnoticed because manufacturers lack the bandwidth to address them or mistrust their hackers. The repercussions, as well as the accompanying liability issues, complicate the process of addressing vulnerabilities. If ignored, numerous cybersecurity professionals reveal the vulnerability to the broader populace after a specific time; nevertheless, private industrial space asset security is impenetrable, rendering it inaccessible to the cybersecurity industry (Falco,2018). Neither public nor private space system enterprises have come to a screeching halt in their cyber security efforts to develop a controlled environment. Discrepancies in space asset vulnerability management should be rectified compared to other essential infrastructure domains.

Ground Network Surveillance

A global commercial provider system comprises relays used to exchange routing information across the corporate network. The devices should be set up to duplicate data traffic monitored by hardware and software enterprise management. It is critical to keep software tools configured because unpatched systems include vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit (Suloway, Visner & Kordella, 2020). Credential scanning is required to combat cyberattacks. They are inspections where the imaging machine has access to the examined system, enabling…