Cybersecurity Analysis for the Internet-Connected Satellites

Abstract: Current methods employed to ensure satellite systems’ cybersecurity have proven to be lacking or obsolete. Furthermore, present trends point toward satellites becoming connected to the internet in the near future, a fact which would further elevate the security concerns regarding space systems. During this study, we designed a concrete model of a future satellite system by identifying its main characteristics and, with the help of this model, we detected major cybersecurity threats in subsequent space avionics. In collaboration with the company RUAG Space we created the model of the Connected Satellite by analyzing current standards, protocols and technologies. Then, we highlighted several major areas of interest from a cybersecurity standpoint by comparing our model to current satellites as well as the automotive industry, which has recently faced a similar challenge. We believe that the obtained results will serve as a good starting point in the standardization of the previously under-explored field of satellite cybersecurity.