Cybersecurity in space is becoming more and more important. The potential vulnerabilities of commercial products threaten space systems. That’s why cybersecurity researchers are looking for new ways to learn how to protect systems in space.
One of these methods is to use a hackable satellite in space. The cube satellite called Moonlighter was sent into orbit on June 5, 2023, attached to a rocket of SpaceX. This satellite will be part of a competition at the DEF CON hacker conference in Las Vegas in August. In the competition, five teams will try to get hold of the satellite’s software.
How does Moonlighter work?
A project jointly developed by The Aerospace Corporation, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the U.S. Space Systems Command, the goal of Moonlighter is to understand and improve cyber operations in space. The satellite runs a software payload that acts like a real flight computer. This payload is designed to be subject to multiple attacks and hijacking.
However, it is not possible to completely disrupt or destroy the satellite. Because the satellite uses a sandbox approach that protects critical subsystems. Thus, cyber-attack experiments are reproducible, realistic and safe, while ensuring the health and safety of the satellite.
Collaborating with hackers to detect vulnerabilities of space systems and make them more secure is a really sensible idea. What are you thinking? Please do not forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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