By Lt. Col. Wayne “Chris” Henry, PhD, USAF
Director, Center for Cyberspace Research
Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering
Air Force Institute of Technology

In the complex and rapidly evolving arena of space warfare, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has been at the forefront of ground-breaking research in space system cybersecurity. This year marks significant advancements in this critical field, with AFIT researchers pushing the boundaries of what is possible and setting new standards in space defense.

A key factor in AFIT’s success in this field has been the strong partnerships it has fostered with other leading institutions and organizations. AFIT closely collaborates with NASA, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Aerospace Corporation, MITRE Corporation, other national defense mission partners, and academia throughout the country. These collaborations have been instrumental in driving forward research in space system cybersecurity.

The cyber attacks on ViaSat and Starlink by Russia during the Ukraine invasion highlight the importance of defensive cybersecurity in space. These attacks disrupted communications and navigation for both civilians and military personnel in Ukraine, and they demonstrated how an advanced adversary can use cyber to target assets in the space domain.

One of the key areas of research focus is in the development of space-based intrusion detection systems to protect our space assets from cyber threats. As space systems have become more complex and interconnected, they also become more vulnerable to sophisticated cyber attacks. These attacks can disrupt mission-critical operations, compromise sensitive data, and even cause physical damage to the spacecraft at speeds that cannot be prevented through operator interaction. Therefore, the implementation of on-board intrusion detection systems is crucial. These systems serve as an early warning mechanism, identifying and mitigating cyber threats before they can inflict significant harm. By continuously monitoring and analyzing the spacecraft’s network activity, these systems play a vital role in maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of our space assets.

Another exciting area of research is the development of secure communication protocols for space systems. Space-based communication presents unique challenges such as extremely long delays and high error rates. Existing protocols are not suitable for this extreme environment, so our researchers have been pioneering new protocols that can provide secure communications for space systems.

AFIT’s research in space system defensive cybersecurity is not just about developing new technologies and methodologies. It is also about understanding the unique challenges of the space domain, such as the vast distances involved, the harsh environment, and the limited bandwidth. By understanding these challenges, researchers at AFIT can develop more effective and efficient cybersecurity solutions for space systems. AFIT is also preparing our future leaders and innovators for the challenges they will face in the increasingly contested and congested space domain. By training students in the latest cybersecurity techniques and technologies, researchers at AFIT are ensuring that our future leaders will have the knowledge and skills they need to protect our space systems from attack.

As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in space system defensive cybersecurity, we are confident that the research being conducted at AFIT will play a crucial role in shaping the future of space warfare.