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The US intelligence community has issued a bulletin, in collaboration with the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the US Air Force, warning the domestic space industry about the increasing risk of espionage and satellite attacks from countries such as China and Russia. The bulletin highlights that US space-related companies are vulnerable to cyberattacks, strategic investments, supply chain targeting, and other techniques used by foreign entities to gain access to the space industry.

The warning emphasizes that these foreign intelligence operations not only compromise company secrets but also disrupt and degrade US satellite communications, remote sensing, and imaging capabilities. Given the growing recognition that both the US economy and national security rely heavily on space, it is crucial for companies to be vigilant.

The bulletin suggests implementing measures such as logging anomalies, establishing insider-threat programs to detect infiltrators, and being cautious of visitation requests from foreign entities. It also advises companies to be wary of unsolicited offers to establish joint ventures with companies associated with foreign governments or state-owned enterprises.

Although China and Russia often refute allegations of hacking and other attempts to infiltrate space systems, the US is taking these threats seriously. In particular, the US aims to assist small and midsize satellite companies that may be unaware of the magnitude and variety of risks involved. Efforts to support and enhance their mitigation practices and resilience are underway.

In addition to smaller companies, significant satellite companies with existing government links have also experienced targeting. Viasat Inc., for example, fell victim to a cyberattack prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, resulting in the replacement of over 45,000 modems across Europe and beyond. Even projects such as Starlink, a part of SpaceX, faced jamming attacks while providing service to Ukraine.

To address these threats, the US Space Force recently launched a targeting unit focused on identifying and countering adversaries in space and at ground stations. This unit’s primary objective is to protect US satellite systems from potential threats.

In conclusion, the US intelligence community’s bulletin emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures within the US space industry to safeguard against foreign espionage and satellite attacks.

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