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US intelligence agencies have issued a warning about the heightened threat of foreign spies targeting the American space industry and carrying out cyberattacks against the nation’s satellite infrastructure. The National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), a part of the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence, released a bulletin on August 18th. The bulletin cautioned that foreign intelligence agencies could employ various tactics, such as cyberattacks, shell companies, or espionage, to gather sensitive information about American space capabilities and innovative technologies.

The NCSC bulletin also highlighted the potential use of counterspace systems like satellite jamming or hacking to disrupt or degrade US satellite systems. Foreign intelligence agencies recognize the strategic importance of the commercial space industry to the US economy and national security, as well as the increasing reliance of critical infrastructure on space-based assets.

To help private companies mitigate potential damage from these espionage attempts, the NCSC statement provides a set of guidelines. This warning comes at a time when investment in the US space sector is at an all-time high, and the nation’s satellite infrastructure continues to expand.

The bulletin lists several ways in which foreign intelligence agencies can gain access to the space industry to acquire expertise or new technologies. Some methods involve approaching space industry experts at conferences or through online forums to extract information. Others involve business dealings, such as attempting to gain sensitive information through joint ventures or shell companies investing in space companies. Additionally, cyberattacks or hacking into private networks to steal intellectual property are explicitly mentioned as potential threats.

The bulletin emphasizes that the collection of sensitive data related to satellite payloads, disruption of US satellite communications, remote sensing, and imaging capabilities, as well as targeting American commercial space infrastructure during international conflicts, can all harm US national security.

Recent events, like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, have illustrated the real effects of these threats. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, revealed that their Starlink internet communications satellites have been subjected to frequent cyberattacks and jamming attempts. The United States Space Force reported repeated jamming of GPS signals in Ukraine. According to General David D. Thompson, vice chief of space operations for the United States Space Force, US satellites are under attack every single day.

In response, the United States is actively developing methods to disrupt adversary space assets. The Space Force has created a dedicated unit for targeting other nations’ satellites and has been training personnel in satellite jamming through live fire exercises.

The warning from US intelligence agencies highlights the need for increased vigilance and enhanced security measures in the American space industry, given the growing threats from foreign spies and cyberattacks.

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