Iran-linked threat actor Mirage Kitten has persistently targeted the global aerospace sector through sophisticated recruitment-themed social engineering, trusted infrastructure and evolving malware to steal sensitive information and maintain long-term access to aerospace, defense and telecom networks.

The European Commission, ESA and the SpaceRISE consortium (SES, Eutelsat and Hispasat) have finalized the implementation agreement for Europe’s IRIS² satellite constellation, resolving months of negotiations over the program’s architecture, cost and governance.

How increasingly interconnected cybercriminal ecosystems—powered by shared tools, brokered access and as-a-service models—are creating new cybersecurity risks for the space industry by exploiting trusted supply chains and third-party relationships.

A new study suggests persistent GNSS interference affecting Europe, Greenland and Canada may be linked to Russian early-warning satellites, highlighting how intermittent space-based electronic warfare could threaten the resilience of critical navigation and space systems.

Orion Space Solutions President Gregg Burgess discusses the architectural, operational and legacy-system challenges facing the U.S. Space Force as it works to integrate space capabilities across air, land, sea and cyber domains to support faster, more effective military operations.

Commercial space companies face growing cyber threats from initial access brokers and data extortion groups that exploit stolen credentials, cloud platforms and supply-chain relationships to sell access into mission-critical aerospace environments, making identity security and SaaS protection important.

As the global space economy evolves, national autonomy is shifting from simple hardware ownership toward total control over the operational stack, including data and networks. Industry experts suggest that hybrid architectures are now the most pragmatic way for nations to maintain security and decision-making authority in an increasingly interconnected orbital landscape.

As threat actors shift from attacking perimeters to exploiting the implicit trust within CI/CD pipelines, the space sector faces an increasingly sophisticated software supply chain risk. This latest briefing analyzes how malicious libraries and compromised developer tools are bypassing traditional defenses to threaten mission-critical infrastructure and overall mission assurance.

Repeated GEO close approaches—led by Russia’s Luch satellites—are now seen as deliberate, not anomalous. They’re driving persistent SSA/SDA and a shift to more resilient, software-defined ground and space systems.

Constellations talked to Dr. Peter Garretson of the American Foreign Policy Council about how allied and commercial systems factor into deterrence, where current space strategies may be too narrowly focused, and which mission areas and technologies could quietly define space operations in the 2030s.

Ahead of the Middle East Space Conference, the map of the global space economy is being redrawn. From Oman’s Etlaq spaceport to Saudi Arabia’s emerging geospatial dominance to the engineering ecosystems in the UAE and Türkiye, the road to space increasingly runs through the Middle East.

In a year defined by Golden Dome, Starlink’s unprecedented scale, direct-to-device disruption and rising demands for sovereignty, 2025 marked a strategic inflection point. Quilty Space take a look back at the year’s milestones.

Kongsberg, Helsing and Hensoldt plan to deploy SAR, high‑resolution optical and RF sensors on NanoAvionics platforms, with Isar Aerospace named the preferred launch provider. The partnership aims to build local production in Germany and deliver sovereign, all‑weather space‑based intelligence for European defense.

U.S. military systems have been described as a “Tower of Babel.” A recent multi-site antenna failover demonstration promises to address the lack of interoperability.

Satellite direct-to-device (D2D) technology—originally designed for commercial connectivity—is emerging as a valuable complement to military communications, offering resilient, low-bandwidth links for logistics, IoT, and situational awareness in contested environments. How battle-tested commercial systems are evolving to meet defense needs, from PNT-enabled sensors to S-band architectures that can operate “hidden in plain sight.”

Researchers found hundreds of trojanized packages and a self-replicating worm that steals developer credentials and injects malicious GitHub Actions workflows. Organizations must harden dependency hygiene, enforce strict token and workflow controls, and monitor for anomalous publish activity.

With orbital traffic surging and debris proliferating, integrating real-time satellite tracking, space weather monitoring and threat characterization has become essential for both civil safety and national security. Investing in dual-use sensor networks and advanced analytics will empower nations to detect adversary intent, maintain freedom of action and secure the next decade of space assets.

With satellites facing growing cyber and physical threats, AI-driven intrusion detection systems are now enabling real-time monitoring and autonomous response in orbit. These intelligent platforms strengthen resilience by identifying anomalies faster and protecting spacecraft integrity.

Arctic ice loss is creating opportunities in the High North that Russia and China are already responding to. As global powers leap to occupy this rapidly changing arena, support from orbit will be an invaluable component of the new economic, geopolitical, and geographic reality of the region.

Timely delivery, cost efficiency, and technical competitiveness will be key to securing contracts under this ambitious initiative. Christopher Baugh and Dallas Kasaboski unpack the strategic and operational hurdles satellite players must overcome.

Recent campaigns highlight a dangerous vector where threat actors deliberately target IT services and personnel through social engineering. Attacks by groups like Scattered Spider and North Korean IT workers exploit dependencies on help desks and external contractors, posing a significant risk to space organizations.

Kratos and industry leaders showcased how telco/satcom integration can deliver uninterrupted data access during disasters. Their award-winning demo at DTW Ignite proves that hybrid networks aren’t just possible—they’re lifesaving. This Catalyst project sets a new benchmark for resilient, mission-critical communications. It’s a blueprint for how technology can serve humanity when it matters most.

The alliance’s new Commercial Space Strategy aims to integrate private sector space capabilities for collective security. This policy focuses on making commercial space assets interoperable among the 32 member nations and with their own government satellites. However, it leaves open questions about future budgets and how the alliance will secure priority access to these commercial services during a crisis.

One of the first casualties of a natural disaster is the network and communications infrastructure needed for a coordinated, collaborative, and effective response. Peter Kibutu of TPP and Mohammad Baig of AT&T explain how D2D satellite connectivity can be a new tool in delivering ubiquitous connectivity to emergency and disaster response personnel when the lights go out.

While technically sound, sovereign constellations often face economic hurdles from underused global capacity versus focused national needs. International partnerships become vital for optimizing these LEO systems and ensuring their long-term financial viability.

Ukraine leverages LEO’s speed and low latency alongside GEO’s resilience against jamming and GPS independence. However, low-cost, camouflaged terminals are crucial due to the high risk of destruction by drones and artillery.

The development of space as a sovereign domain is expanding. While space is inherently international, balancing the need for both security and collaboration can make it difficult for multi-national players to work together, and international regulation is one step on the path towards making space safe and sustainable for everyone.

This 90-day, $1.1 million SDA pilot explores how rapid technological integration can enhance crisis response. By rethinking industry incentives and interoperability, the program paves a bold new path for government-industry partnerships in space.

The satcom market is entering a new phase of competition. After Starlink’s astronomic rise, incumbents are answering the challenge with multi-orbit, multi-network strategies.

Threat actors are repurposing native encryption features to lock down sensitive data. Exploiting AWS S3 methods highlights the urgent need for robust access controls and continuous monitoring.

The recent rise of small satellites that can be produced and launched quickly, in direct contrast to a space economy that has privileged unique, complex and expensive satellites for decades. Constellations spoke to space industry veteran Dr. David Hardy from TC Space Consulting about the industry-wide shift towards small, modular satellites.

With a focus on enabling next-generation interoperability and capabilities, the initiative aims to align certification standards with emerging technologies like electronically steerable antennas. This effort is a crucial step toward enhancing the resilience and effectiveness of mission-critical military communications.

The war in Ukraine has highlighted the critical importance space and satellite services play in NATO and Europe’s defense and deterrence capabilities. NATO Support and Procurement Agency, Novaspace and SES Space & Defense examine how the conflict is shaping the future of NATO’s satcom capability requirements.

Recent cyberattacks highlight how targeted phishing campaigns are compromising critical aerospace technologies. It’s a wake-up call for space agencies to bolster their cybersecurity defenses against sophisticated threats.

The growing amount of debris and meteorites in orbit put satellites at risk of collisions, therefore causing potential disruption to service providers. Subject matter experts define the challenges in anomaly detection and attribution when it comes to satellite failures.

With AI applications in space just beginning to impact these sectors, commercial players have a chance to shape their offerings for unique mission-critical uses. As military and government bodies explore greenfield opportunities, integrating reliable AI solutions is key to transforming satellite data insights.

The 5th Annual Value of Space Summit brought global leaders to Colorado Springs for critical discussions on the future of space security. Key takeaways highlighted the need for increased collaboration across government, industry, and academia to address growing cybersecurity threats. As space systems continue to evolve, the focus on threat intelligence and proactive defense strategies remains paramount.

This year has seen a surge in cyber and non-cyber threats targeting global space systems as space-faring nations race to secure dominance. The report highlights critical challenges, including the exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities, ransomware attacks, and potential risks to space infrastructure due to advanced malware.

A new report details the latest cyber espionage campaign by the Iranian threat group Peach Sandstorm, focusing on the space and communications sectors. Their sophisticated tactics include deploying custom malware and leveraging professional networking platforms for intelligence gathering.

When natural disasters strike and terrestrial networks are wiped out, first responders turn to satellite connectivity solutions to successfully execute search and rescue and other lifesaving operations. How can the emergence of software-defined satellite ground networks play in transforming satellite services and enhancing disaster response efforts?

Ransomware attacks are no longer just financial extortion schemes; they now server as a cover for state-sponsored espionage. This evolving threat landscape highlights the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in the space industry.

Jamming attacks on space systems are escalating, posing significant risks to global security. From disrupted GPS services to interrupted military communications, these attacks highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. As geopolitical tensions rise, the need for robust countermeasures and international cooperation becomes more urgent.

Cyber campaigns continue to prioritize exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities as a leading initial access vector, with a growing emphasis on exploiting edge network devices. Throughout 2024, there have been several critical zero-day vulnerabilities in edge devices that threat actors have used to target victims.

Campaigns targeting job applicants in aerospace and defense demonstrate the increased scope of state-backed threat groups that engage in intelligence collection, information stealing and commercial espionage.

The U.S. Department of Defense has big ambitions for space, and making those plans a reality will depend on its ability to harness emerging data management and analysis technologies, including artificial intelligence.

As organizations continue to migrate services to cloud-based solutions, trend analysis shows that cyber threat actors are adjusting their tactics, posing risks to commercial space and ground architectures.

Standardized cybersecurity frameworks are giving the space industry a common language to share threat intelligence, accelerate defenses and ultimately enable machine-to-machine protection against sophisticated attacks.

As Europe accelerates investment in sovereign satellite communications, IRIS², NATO’s HALO initiative and multi-orbit architectures are reshaping how governments balance resilience, security and commercial partnerships.

Former U.S. Air Force and Space Force General Counsel Peter Beshar explains why decades-old space treaties must evolve to address commercial space, lunar resource extraction and emerging security threats in an increasingly contested orbital environment.

Boston Consulting Group’s Alessio Bonucci explains why space sovereignty is reshaping global competition, with launch capability, industrial capacity and defense investment emerging as the defining factors in the next generation of national space strategies.

Colonel Eddie Gutierrez details how Mission Delta 3 is accelerating electronic warfare capabilities to keep pace with rapidly evolving space threats. He discusses Guardian readiness, improved targeting and the need for close coordination among operators, acquisition teams and industry to deliver effective EW systems at the speed of the mission.

A €35B, five‑year military space push starting this year is accelerating partnerships between primes and New Space firms. Priority programs like SatcomBw Stage 4—alongside Europe’s Iris2—are competing for talent and testing how fast Germany’s space ecosystem can scale.

To keep pace with rapidly evolving threats, Colonel Tim Trimailo emphasizes the need to leverage commercial innovation for faster, more agile capability delivery. By breaking down classification barriers and integrating AI-driven autonomy, the service aims to secure a decisive edge in an increasingly contested space domain.

As the United States reshapes its military space posture for a more contested orbital environment, it is emphasizing proliferated satellite architectures, closer integration with commercial industry and more flexible acquisition strategies to sustain operational advantage. At the same time, analysts warn that long-term strategic planning, industrial capacity in space and clearer capability signals to industry will be critical to ensuring resilience, deterrence and mission effectiveness in future conflicts.

In today’s threat environment, electronic warfare is as consequential as kinetic effects. Resilience is a going concern not only for national security space but for the commercial assets that underlie modern critical infrastructure.

AI is accelerating malware development, vulnerability discovery, and deepfake-driven social engineering—without needing fully autonomous attacks. For commercial space, this means faster, tailored intrusions that can pivot from cloud-based enterprise networks into mission-critical ground and operations systems.

The attribution of this failure to a micrometeorite strike bears a skeptical resemblance to the Inmarsat-6 F2 incident, where insurance underwriters questioned similar claims regarding an Airbus-built bus. Considering the tumbling and power loss issues previously suffered by its twin, SpainSat NG 1, it is worth scrutinizing whether this is truly bad luck with space debris or a recurring systemic fault in the satellite’s design.

Analysys Mason’s reporting from Space Tech Expo Europe shows rising investment, sovereign programmes and a growing addressable market for European satellites. Local presence, distinctive value propositions and strong European partnerships will determine which players capture the opportunity.

Germany has pledged €35 billion for military space programs through 2030, putting a national broadband constellation on the table even as Berlin remains a major Iris2 contributor. The move raises questions about duplication versus interoperability between national and EU systems and underscores the push to balance sovereignty with European cooperation.

Rising global tensions and the need for resilient connectivity are driving a dramatic pivot from traditional geostationary satellites to more agile low-Earth orbit constellations. With demand growing at 26% annually, this transformation represents one of the fastest-growing segments in the defense technology sector.

RedNovember’s campaign emphasizes exploitation of edge devices and supply-chain vendors to establish persistent access. Organizations in defense, aerospace, and space should prioritize patching perimeter devices and hardening remote access to disrupt these espionage operations.

Ahead of World Space Business Week, Constellations and Novaspace released a limited podcast series, featuring five space leaders. Each executive answered a handful of questions about the state of the industry, what drives their companies, and the challenges that lie ahead. Read our favorite quotes and takeaways from each conversation.

As satellite operators increasingly rely on Ground Station-as-a-Service (GSaaS) models, new vulnerabilities are emerging at the intersection of cloud and space infrastructure. Strengthening GSaaS security is becoming essential to protect data integrity, prevent signal hijacking and ensure mission resilience.

Phishing campaigns now deliver LAMEHUG, the first malware that offloads command generation to a large language model in real time. For the space industry, adaptive AI-driven threats can bypass static defenses and tailor exploits to specialized mission-control environments.

Multiple layers of resiliency are required to build a space environment that is tactically responsive. Jiral Shah, VP of Business Development at Gravitics, described the role of pre-positioned assets in orbit and the importance of mobility and power in space operations. Read our top four takeaways.

Expanding beyond traditional battlefields, the Israel-Iran conflict now includes a dramatic surge in cyberattacks and widespread GNSS interference that directly impacts commercial and government space assets. These events show that as geopolitical tensions rise, the space sector is increasingly viewed as a legitimate and strategic target.

Driven by shifting geopolitics and demand for sovereign solutions, the market is accelerating, with revenue projected to exceed USD137 billion by 2033. However, vendors and investors face significant hurdles, including difficulties in securing funding and slow project timelines that challenge global competitiveness.

On May 13, 2025, the Interlock ransomware group attacked National Defense Corporation (NDC) and its subsidiary AMTEC, potentially exposing sensitive supply chain data. This incident underscores that ransomware is a national security concern with implications for the commercial space sector and the Defense Industrial Base, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity across the entire supplier ecosystem.

This cyber espionage effort, likely state-sponsored with pro-Russian interests, mimics well-known defense contractors and government entities to gain access. The campaign's use of dynamic infrastructure and impersonation tactics highlights the evolving cyber threat landscape facing critical sectors.

Initiatives like China’s Spacesail and Europe’s IRIS2 are emerging as key players, aiming to build sovereign alternatives to existing dominant systems. These developments underscore the increasing importance of space capabilities for national defense and economic interests worldwide.

The attack, leveraging a stealthy Golang backdoor dubbed Sosano, exemplifies the evolving tactics of cyber espionage targeting high-value infrastructures. These tailored, low-volume lures highlight the increasing risks that trusted supply chains and partner networks pose to operational security.

Satellite communication providers must adapt quickly, delivering multi-orbit, flexible connectivity solutions to meet expanding mission profiles. As global UAV use escalates, versatile satcom offerings will become crucial for governments navigating increasingly complex geopolitical environments.

Smallsat proliferation in LEO has significantly disrupted the satellite industry, and now they’re moving into the higher orbits. Read the top four takeaways from our discussion with Astranis CEO John Gedmark on their groundbreaking MicroGEO technology.

A recent tabletop exercise envisioned cybersecurity challenges in a 2035 lunar mining facility and orbital lab. The findings underscore the importance of collaboration and innovation to safeguard emerging space activities.

The militaries of France, Germany, and New Zealand have joined the U.S. and other nations as part of Operation Olympic Defender. Much of the initial mission appears to focus on SSA and information sharing, raising an interesting question: what role, if any, will industry partners play in Olympic Defender?

Constellations spoke with Dr. Kelly Hammett about the crucial role of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO), the challenge of delivering new capabilities quickly, and what the USSF is doing about the rise of adversarial threats in space. Read the major takeaways from the conversation now.

In medical emergencies, the time spent transporting a patient to receive care can significantly impact their outcome. To get specialty care to patients more quickly, the Mayo Clinic, OPTAC-X and Kymeta are running a pilot program that brings physicians into the field virtually via satellite-connected telemedicine solutions.

OSINT, built from publicly available data, empowers timely, actionable intelligence essential in the dynamic landscape of space. With escalating satellite activity and a more contested space environment, OSINT provides crucial insights to navigate emerging challenges in space safety and security.

Constellations spoke with Ron Faith, President and CEO of RBC Signals, about how smallsat operators can overcome common obstacles on the road to launch, and the changing role of GSaaS in defense infrastructure.

TIDRONE campaign targets Taiwan’s satellite and drone industries, exposing critical vulnerabilities in the space supply chain. Trend Micro and Acronis report coordinated cyber espionage aimed at high-value military and aerospace technology. The campaign reveals an alarming overlap between drone production and space operations, underscoring the escalating cyber threat to global defense sectors.

As GSaaS continues to evolve, cybersecurity remains a critical concern, with hacking, malware, and vulnerabilities posing significant risks. Providers must balance flexibility with the need for strong encryption and adherence to best practices to safeguard sensitive data.

As nations increase their reliance on space-based assets, commercial players find themselves at the forefront of innovation and strategic partnerships. Discover the key opportunities and challenges as the commercial industry navigates its critical role in global security.

Constellations spoke with Jean-Francois Morizur, Founder and CEO of Cailabs, about the market for laser communications and how they complement RF signals in satellite connectivity.

The North Korean-linked hacking group Andariel has intensified its cyber espionage campaigns, targeting aerospace and defense organizations across several countries. Their sophisticated tactics and strategic objectives pose a significant threat to global security, especially in the commercial space industry.

Constellations spoke with Colonel Kalliroi Landry of the Space Development Agency (SDA) about Space Force commercial acquisition, exciting new antenna and satellite technology, and working with industry.

While the so-called “kill phase” of missile defense is critical, recent events demonstrate that defeating low-cost missiles with multimillion-dollar interceptors is not sustainable. There is growing recognition of the need for technology innovation, from directed energy to enhanced sensing and integration between the land, sea, air and space-based layers of the enterprise.

As the United States looks for support from allies and industry to address the growing number of threats in space, Pentagon officials say there is finally progress being made to roll back decades of overclassification.

In the face of evolving space dynamics and the military’s strategic embrace of orbital diversity, phased arrays are emerging as the preferred antenna technology.

Space ISAC’s review of 2026 threats examines how escalating geopolitical conflict, cyberattacks, AI-enabled threats, electronic warfare, supply chain vulnerabilities and increasingly contested orbits are reshaping the security and resilience of the global space sector.

As rivals build resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) architectures beyond GPS, experts warn the United States is falling behind due to fragmented leadership, a lack of a national backup system and slow government action.

Why cyberattacks have become the greatest threat to space systems, and how zero-trust architectures and secure-by-design principles are becoming essential to protecting critical satellite infrastructure.

As the Department of Defense’s November CMMC deadline approaches, space companies are weighing the cost, complexity and strategic tradeoffs of achieving cybersecurity compliance while protecting their competitiveness across the defense supply chain.

Earth observation providers are increasingly moving toward software-as-a-service models that combine satellite data, cloud computing and AI-driven analytics to deliver actionable insights rather than raw imagery, expanding the market beyond traditional geospatial specialists to mainstream enterprise and government users.

Missile defense systems and autonomous UAVs are converging around a shared need for tighter data integration, AI-driven decision-making and multi-layered network architectures to operate effectively in contested environments. Future resilience will depend on unifying sensing, communication and control into a single intelligent system, while overcoming persistent challenges in interoperability, policy and real-time coordination.

Rising geopolitical tensions and supply chain risks are driving nations to invest heavily in sovereign space capabilities, with thousands of government-backed satellites planned to ensure independent access, resilience and strategic advantage in both military and civilian domains. But while sovereignty strengthens national security, experts warn that fragmentation, interoperability challenges and overreliance on single providers could undermine efficiency and resilience unless balanced with smart alliances and coordinated investment.

Following lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine, the 32-nation alliance is moving beyond traditional geostationary leases to integrate LEO, MEO, and HEO constellations for more resilient connectivity. This strategic evolution includes a revamped procurement policy designed to bypass bureaucracy and potentially return NATO to owning its own space-based transponders by 2034.

Threat activity—from DDoS and defacements to wipers and APT ops—is expanding across aerospace, telecom, and ground segments. Read the analysis to see how operators can harden ground infrastructure, manage supply-chain exposure, and build resilience across IT/OT.

A threat actor known as Zestix recently used valid credentials stripped from infected machines to breach roughly 50 organizations, including a Turkish aerospace manufacturer and an Indonesian satellite operator. Instead of using complex exploits, these attackers simply logged in to steal military intellectual property and technical documentation, proving that basic identity hygiene remains a persistent failure point.

A new study reveals that many GEO satellites still transmit highly sensitive data without encryption, exposing government, commercial and critical-infrastructure communications to easy interception with low-cost equipment. Experts warn that fixing the problem will require not just stronger encryption, but deeper architectural changes and new platforms to provide more secure, sovereign communications layers.

This research marks a strategic pivot from traditional ground-based interference to adaptive, networked architectures that mirror the design of the networks they target. While currently a simulation, the data points to a future where commercial operators must defend against region-wide, persistent electronic warfare.

The campaign uses convincing recruiter profiles and malicious PDFs to deliver multi-stage malware that steals intellectual property and establishes long-term access. This blending of social engineering with developer-tool compromise raises direct risks for satellite communications firms, component manufacturers, and space-sector integrators.

The constellation of lights visible from space mirrors the interconnected defense infrastructure that will soon include Ukraine, pending formal agreements. By pooling satellite capacity across member states, the initiative ensures even smaller nations can access secure communications critical for regional security.

Satellites are becoming more maneuverable and agile. As space becomes an increasingly contested landscape, resilience across orbital regimes will be paramount. Read our top four takeaways from our conversation with Tom Campbell, president of space missions at Redwire Space.

Companies must submit proposals by Sept. 30 outlining private-sector technologies for the three-year European Resilience from Space precursor constellation. The fast-track, €1 billion ERS plan will lay the groundwork for the EU’s broader Earth Observation Governmental Service in the 2028–34 budget.

VOSS VI brings together global partners for expanded Five Eyes–inclusive classified briefings and immersive “Lunar Lifeline” tabletop exercises, highlighting the critical role of collaboration in economic growth and workforce innovation. Attendees will gain actionable intelligence, forge new strategic alliances in the Member Showcase, and engage emerging talent through hands-on crisis simulations and community events.

Geopolitical tensions, state-sponsored espionage, and hacktivist campaigns drove a 118 percent surge in space-related cyber incidents between January and August 2025. Simultaneously, GNSS jamming, signal hijacking, and dynamic on-orbit maneuvers reveal how electronic warfare and proximity operations compound vulnerabilities across critical space infrastructure.

While SpaceX continues to dominate the launch landscape, other companies are getting creative in the way they get to orbit, from small rocket launches to reusable satellite buses. As Europe claims greater sovereignty over its space activities and launch becomes a more sustainable process, how the industry thinks about space access is changing.

U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson Laura McAndrews and Rivada senior vice president Brian Carney explain the key components of an “outernet,” examine the benefits it will deliver to the DoD and discuss the role industry will play in making the concept a reality.

Europe’s Iris2 satellite project is focused on achieving soverign communication capabilities rather than outperforming Starlink. The French military prefers its higher, more protected orbit, while Eutelsat maintains that its core performance metrics are already comparable.

European nations are looking to expand their sovereign space capabilities while also collaborating with other European allies and NATO to strengthen the EU’s collective posture in the domain. Representatives from NATO and ICEYE discuss what is behind this growing space sovereignty trend and delve into the satellite capabilities European nations seek to acquire.

China and Russia have been developing and practicing techniques, tactics and procedures that are reshaping the operating environment in space and rapidly closing the capability gap in on-orbit maneuver warfare.

Experts from The Aerospace Corporation, Secured Quantum Services, and OrbiSky examine the threats quantum cyberattacks pose against satellites, how operators can prepare their systems to defend against quantum attacks and who is ahead in the quantum computing race.

Programs to integrate commercial space domain awareness data and distribute it across classification levels are gaining speed. Though much work remains, initiatives like the JCO, CIC and SDA Tap Lab are beginning to find an operational rhythm.

In March, the Space Force awarded four pilot contracts of the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) program, which will integrate commercial capabilities into military infrastructure. Constellations spoke with Colonel Richard Kniseley, Senior Materiel Leader at the Commercial Space Office (COMSO) at Space Systems Command, to learn more.

APT41’s cyber espionage strikes at the heart of aerospace operational technology. The attackers exploited VPN vulnerabilities to infiltrate critical supply chains, deploying stealth malware and lateral movement techniques. The incident underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard aerospace and aviation manufacturing operations.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded 16 companies IDIQ contracts for Proliferated LEO Satellite-Based Services. Just 15 months later, the contract expanded in scope and value, revolutionizing DoD access to LEO services and driving innovation.

Chinese-backed hackers are exploiting telecom vulnerabilities to gain strategic intelligence advantages. As space and telecommunications become more interconnected, these breaches highlight escalating risks to critical infrastructure and national security.

Building on the success of VICTUS NOX, the mission will focus on rendezvous and proximity operations using cutting-edge commercial technologies. With partners Rocket Lab and True Anomaly, the USSF continues to push the boundaries of speed and operational readiness in a contested space domain.

Iceye’s synthetic-aperture radar satellites have become a critical asset for military operations, including their use in Ukraine’s defense strategy. Meanwhile, Neuraspace’s AI-powered space situational analytics highlight the growing intersection of commercial innovation and defense applications in Europe.

This groundbreaking move aligns with the expected Allied Space Strategy, set for release this spring. Future contracts will ensure commercial assets are ready for rapid deployment in times of crisis.

This new cyber campaign reveals how removable media can be exploited to infiltrate even isolated government networks. GoldenJackal’s evolving toolkit demonstrates the pressing need for enhanced defenses across critical infrastructure sectors, where air-gapped systems are no longer as secure as once believed.

The GPS service is incredibly important but also highly vulnerable to attack. Here's how commercial PNT alternatives could help assure that PNT data is also available to those who need it.

With state-sponsored intrusions and open-source vulnerabilities threatening the space supply chain, cybersecurity standards must be strengthened. Collaboration among partners will be essential in mitigating risks and ensuring long-term resilience.

Cyberattacks against satellite infrastructure has increased by 300 percent over the last five years. One attack method that is being employed by cyber-adversaries is the Distributed Denial of Service attack. Explore the threat DDoS attacks pose to satellite and ground segment operators, the mitigation techniques they can deploy to bolster their defense, as well as the challenges they must overcome to effectively secure their networks.

Malicious cyber actors are persistently pursuing novel attack methods to disrupt commercial, military and government space assets. Industry is responding by exploring ZTA standardization to harden space systems’ cybersecurity postures, while simultaneously running tabletop wargaming exercises to prepare and ready attack mitigation responses.

Commercially monitoring satellite signals provides valuable information about military activities, as seen in the Ukraine conflict. Changes in satellite communication patterns can predict on-the-ground movements and reveal hidden transmitter locations, enhancing our understanding of modern warfare.

It’s a digital world. Communication, observation, navigation, even warfare occur at the level of 1s and 0s within a virtualized or software-defined environment.

Constellations spoke with Col. Michael Christensen, Director of Test and Evaluation of the U.S. Space Force, about the pioneering efforts to ensure the space enterprise can counteract emerging threats and maintain its strategic position in space.

The U.S. Space Force took another step to improve industry collaboration with the release of its Commercial Space Strategy, highlighting criteria that will be used in evaluating industry proposals for technology solutions going forward.

Multilayered connectivity lends resiliency and versatility to military operations, but seamless interoperability across systems remains a significant challenge, according to industry and government experts.

Constellations spoke with John Finney, CEO and founder of ALL.SPACE, about the continuing evolution of satellite terminal designs and what it means for multi-orbit satellite applications in defense.