Space & Cybersecurity Newsletter - December 2020
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Air Force reveals candidate locations for US Space Command headquarters
As of November 19, the six final candidates for U.S. Space Command Headquarters are Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado; Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico; Patrick Air Force Base, Florida; Redstone Army Airfield, Alabama; Joint Base San Antonio, Texas; and Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The Air Force said it expects to select a location in early 2021 but it will take up to six years to build new facilities. In the meantime, U.S. Space Command will remain at its provisional headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.
CFSCC commander visits Cal Poly CubeSat Lab, lauds first space research and development agreement
We at the CCI are very proud to share that Maj. Gen. John Shaw, Combined Force Space Component Command commander, visited California Polytechnic State University to tour its CubeSat laboratory. This was Shaw’s first visit to the campus since the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)—the first of its kind between Vandenberg and any other academic institution—was signed with Cal Poly in Nov. 2019. Vandenberg and Cal Poly have a nearly decade-long relationship of collaboration, enhanced by the SpOC-Cal Poly CRADA which focuses on 1) energizing competitive domestic industries; 2) expanding international cooperation; 3) strengthening stability in space; 4) increasing assurance and resilience of mission-essential functions; 5) pursuing human and robotic initiatives; and 6) improving space-based earth and solar observation.
Space Force Gets its Own ‘Werx’ Innovation Center
Housed within the Air Force’s AFWERKS, the Space Force’s SpaceWERKS will “field commercial technology into Space Force’s growing tech portfolio.” SpaceWERX will assist the newly founded military branch in staying up to speed with innovation within the private sector, and leverage cutting edge technology from companies including Amazon, Microsoft, and Palantir.
SPACE THREATS & ADVERSARIAL EFFORTS
Satellite hacking of both satellites and their ground systems has accelerated as access to technology increases, as illuminated at Defcon 2020’s Hack A Sat workshop. Requiring a more sophisticated toolset than hacking a web-based system, satellite hacking requires an understanding of orbital mechanics and radio frequency protocols. Despite the technical challenges, the ability for adversaries to cause drastic disruptions via satellite hacking is a threat major countries need to actively address and prepare for. In addressing the growing issue, the U.S. has issued a directive that urges manufacturers to harden their systems and have plans for recapturing a satellite that has been hacked, spoofed, or hijacked.
China recovers Chang’e-5 moon samples after complex 23-day mission
As of December 16th, China has successfully completed their Chang’e-5 mission, collecting material samples from 2 meters below the lunar surface. The success of the Chang’e-5’s ability to lift off from the surface and rendezvous indicates that China is on target to land on Mars’ surface and collect similar samples by 2030. The Chang'e-6, initially a backup mission, is projected to be "repurposed for a landing at the lunar South Pole or South Pole-Aitken Basin," working with CNES of France.
CYBER & SPACE SYSTEMS
Germany to become the first foreign military buyer of U.S. jam-resistant GPS receivers
Germany purchased an undisclosed amount of Military Code (M-Code) capable GPS user equipment September 30th, becoming the first of almost 60 countries. The M-Code upgrades GPS signals by providing an “enhanced secure positioning, navigation and timing, anti-jam and anti-spoofing.” Germany will be receiving the upgraded equipment early 2021.
Op-ed | Space system cybersecurity: Challenges ahead translating policy to practice
Gregory Falco, an assistant research Professor at Johns Hopkins University’s Civil & Systems Engineering Department, discusses the state of affairs at a vital intersection of space and cybersecurity. Falco describes how the White House’s Space Policy Directive 5 serves as a starting point in what will ultimately be a conversation that will shape rules of play in space. Looking ahead, Falco hopes to see space systems deemed as critical infrastructure, and prescribed “low- or no-cost” requirements that will ensure protection from cyber attacks, and the protection of “space systems that enable terrestrial critical infrastructure.” For more of Falco’s perspectives on the matter, take a look at his “Job One for Space Force: Space Asset Cybersecurity.”
WHITE HOUSE POLICY TRANSITION
From Space Force to Artemis: what Joe Biden presidency may mean in orbit and beyond
Trump set bold space exploration goals during his time in office, but so far, Joe Biden has been relatively quiet on the his space policy. US human spaceflight policy rarely survives a change in presidency due to differing budget priorities. However, the success of the SpaceX launch suggests that commercial space programs will continue to evolve during Biden’s presidency. The most substantial clue to Biden’s future actions can be found in a document by the Democratic Party entitled “Building a Stronger, Fairer Economy,” in which it states the Democratic party’s support for “NASA’s work to return Americans to the Moon and go beyond to Mars, taking the next step in exploring our solar system.”
White House releases space nuclear power strategy
On December 16th, the While House released its Memorandum on the National Strategy for Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion (Space Policy Directive-6). SPD-6 identifies safety, security, and sustainability as 3 guiding principles for nuclear power in space and calls for "establishing the 'technical foundations and capabilities' needed for nuclear thermal propulsion systems" by late 2020s. The SDP also focuses on developing advanced radioisotope power systems, and the uses of high and low enriched uranium in space.
NASA, UN Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Peaceful Uses of Space
On December 17th, NASA and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) pledging cooperation in areas of science and technology to support the peaceful use of outer space. NASA's Artemis program will now be a part of UNOOSA’s Access to Space for All Initiative. The organizations will work together on public outreach to educate the public on the benefits of the investments in space exploration.
Space Cybersecurity in the Age of Defending Forward
The Trump administration’s policy directive emphasis on cybersecurity in space may create tension with the international obligation to use space to advance international peace and security for the benefit of all countries. The directive does not create any new legal rights or obligations in the context of cybersecurity practices in space. However, the intersection of U.S. cybersecurity policy, often referred to as “defending forward,” and applicable international law in space, and their possible conflict, calls for a clearer understanding of how the United States’s cybersecurity policy interacts with existing space law. Since this article was published, the White House released a new Space Policy Directive. To read it, click here.
National Space Policy of the United States of America
After 10 years, the US National Space Policy has received a refresh that brings the policy up to speed, and delegates the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community as being key in implementing the mentioned strategic goals. The four main goals are: “expanding the American commercial space sector, increasing international cooperation, continuing ambitious science and exploration activities, and bolstering national security and the United States' leadership position in space,” and lists four other goals as well. The 2020 document released by the Trump Administration shares some similarities to that of the 2010 Obama Administration’s, including the prioritization of American leadership in space, fostering relationships in the private sector, and working with international partners. For more, click here.
After 10 years, the US National Space Policy has received a refresh that brings the policy up to speed, and delegates the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community as being key in implementing the mentioned strategic goals. The four main goals are: “expanding the American commercial space sector, increasing international cooperation, continuing ambitious science and exploration activities, and bolstering national security and the United States' leadership position in space,” and lists four other goals as well. The 2020 document released by the Trump Administration shares some similarities to that of the 2010 Obama Administration’s, including the prioritization of American leadership in space, fostering relationships in the private sector, and working with international partners. For more, click here.
EVENTS
10 winners chosen in International Space Pitch Day
International Space Pitch Day, was modeled on the U.S. Air Force pitch days — “Shark Tank”-inspired competitions where nontraditional companies can directly present their technology solutions to acquisition officials and walk away with same-day contracts. Out of companies and entrepreneurs worldwide, 10 companies were awarded same-day contracts each worth up to $66,000 to help them fast-track their products. The winners are 114 AI Innovation Limited (India), Clearbox Systems (Australia), Clutch Space Systems (U.K.), Cognitive Space (U.S.), precursor SPC (U.S.), Riskaware Limited and Telespazio Vega UK (U.K.), Rocket Communications (U.S.), Slingshot Aerospace (U.S.), Spire Global UK (U.K.), and Swim.ai (U.S.).
The Aspen Institute Cyber Summit
The Aspen Cyber Summit is a unique annual gathering, bringing together top leaders from business, government, academia, and public interest to determine how they can best collaborate to combat urgent cyber threats. The fifth annual event toolk place from December 1 to December 3 this year and featured speakers such as Marene N. Allison, Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer for Johnson & Johnson, Jack Blackhurst, Executive Director for the Air Force Research Lab, and Charles Carmakal, Senior Vice President & CTO for FireEye.
THANK YOU
Thank you for coming to us here at the CCI for your space and cyber-related news. We welcome any feedback you may have. We will see you next month, and don’t forget to keep up on your own cyber hygiene.
Until next time,
The CCI Team
Contact us at:
cci@calpoly.edu