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Hackers at DEF CON will participate in a capture the flag competition called Hack-A-Sat, where they will attempt to break into a satellite called Moonlighter. This unique competition held at the annual DEF CON hacking conference in Las Vegas brings together hackers who typically do not work on space systems. Moonlighter, a small square-shaped satellite launched by SpaceX in June, is equipped with “flags,” bits of code locked within a sandbox environment to prevent hackers from escaping the contest. Five teams, including Krautsat, mhackeroni, SpaceBitsRUs, Poland Can Into Space, and jmp fs: [rcx], will compete to find these flags by completing various challenges. The team with the most points at the end will be the winner.

This competition aims to bridge the gap between space and cyber professionals, as there is growing recognition that satellites are highly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Rachel Mann, a program manager at the Air Force Research Laboratory, explains that the contest is designed to bring both communities together to work on the security problems facing satellites. The capture the flag contest involves finding lines of code or flags, with each team trying to collect as many as possible to earn points. There are 0,000 worth of prizes, with the first-place team receiving ,000.

Hacking into a live in-orbit satellite poses unique challenges, including the use of space math and the unknown nature of the challenges involved. The contest is led by the Air Force Research Laboratory, alongside Space Systems Command, the Aerospace Corporation, and Cromulence, and seeks to address vulnerabilities in space systems. Germany-based researchers recently discovered vulnerabilities in three real-world satellite firmware images, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures and protections for space systems.

The absence of basic telecom protection on satellites has alarmed security experts, especially as more critical sectors rely on space systems. Cyberattacks against space systems are increasing, with notable examples including Russia’s cyberattack against Viasat satellite modems during the start of the Ukraine invasion. The competition brings together both experts and those who are curious about space systems, fostering collaboration between different disciplines. The complexity of the Hack-A-Sat contest has led to the formation of conglomerate teams comprised of smaller groups, as the range of challenges requires a critical mass of expertise to solve.

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