Read all about the Pentagon's new contract with SpaceX for Starlink satellite internet, L3Harris suffering an alleged cyber attack, a Japanese satellite made entirely of wood and so much more!
The Pentagon has agreed to purchase Starlink satellite internet terminals from SpaceX for use in Ukraine against the Russian invasion. The purchase is a significant boost for Ukraine, as it will help to ensure that the country has access to critical communications infrastructure even as Russia continues to target it's telecommunications networks.
A team of researchers from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry are developing a wooden satellite. The satellite is made of Magnolia wood, which was tested on the International Space Station for 10 months and showed no signs of damage in the harsh space conditions. If successful, the wooden satellite could be a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional metal satellites.
Maxar Technologies is considering using its Earth-facing spacecraft sensors to observe objects and activity in orbit. The company's contract with the National Reconnaissance Office includes a provision to experiment with gathering high-resolution imagery of surrounding space environments. Space domain awareness is becoming a priority for the U.S. Space Command and the Space Force.
Incorporating cybersecurity into complex space systems is a significant challenge, but it is crucial to protect against the potential catastrophic consequences of cyberattacks. The transition of the space industry to the private sector and international markets introduces new cybersecurity risks, making standardization and international collaboration essential.
A cybersecurity company called BetterCyber has reported that the Abyss ransomware group claims to have hacked L3Harris Technologies Inc., an aerospace and defense company based in Florida. The hackers allegedly stole data related to the company's work on an Army communications system. L3Harris confirmed a system disruption but stated that it was contained and the network secured. The company did not provide further details on whether any data was lost.
Greg Wyler, CEO of E-Space, highlighted the vulnerability of gateways in satellite networks during the Cysat event in Paris. Gateways, which act as access points, pose the largest security risk in today's satellite networks. Wyler emphasized that gateways are easily targeted by attackers due to their inherent weaknesses and lack of comprehensive security measures. The recent Viasat attack in Europe served as a wake-up call for the satellite industry, exposing the need for increased focus on securing gateways.
Viasat has successfully acquired Inmarsat, forming a merger of two major satellite operators. The acquisition combines 19 satellites operating in the Ka-, L-, and S-bands, positioning Viasat to compete more effectively in the evolving satcom industry.
The Space Force is planning to build three deep-space radars. The first radar is being built by Northrop Grumman and is due to be completed in early 2026. The Space Force is currently looking for a second provider to build the remaining two radars.
The U.S. Department of State released the new Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy. The framework outlines three pillars for U.S. space diplomacy: advancing U.S. space policy, pursuing international cooperation, and equipping the State Department's workforce. The framework aims to maintain a rules-based international order and foster cooperation in space commercialization and exploration.
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is not pausing development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, despite recent advances that have alarmed experts and policy-makers. The NGA is using AI to detect objects of interest in satellite imagery, but the technology is not yet good enough to meet the agency's needs. The NGA is working to improve the accuracy, speed, and security of it's AI technology so that it can be used to support defense and intelligence missions.
