Page 159 - Cyber Defense eMagazine January 2024

Securing Space Infrastructure for US And

Allied Collaboration

By Kevin Kelly, CEO and Chairman, Arcfield

As the role of satellite communication systems in geopolitical conflicts and critical infrastructure sectors
continues to expand, concern regarding the security of satellite communications (SATCOM) systems is
growing. These concerns are valid, as evidenced by the February 2022 cyberattack against satellite
company Viasat, which the European Union dubbed one of the most significant hacks of space equipment
to date.

There’s no doubt that space is one of the fastest growing sectors, for federal and commercial markets
alike. According to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, there are more than 16,700 satellites
orbiting Earth, with 2,748 launched just last year. Additionally, Euroconsult estimates that an average of
1,700 satellites will be launched per year by 2030. Starlink’s mega-constellation had over 5,000 satellites
launched earlier this year and is projected to have as many as 42,000 total satellites when fully deployed.

Amid the rapid growth of the space domain, the U.S. Space Force is developing a next-generation,
resilient SATCOM system known as the Protected Anti-Jam Tactical Satellite Communications (PATS)
family of systems. For the program to be successful, it must address numerous challenges to promote

Cyber Defense eMagazine – January 2024 Edition 159
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