In the closing hours of President Biden’s administration, a pivotal Executive Order aimed at strengthening cybersecurity across various sectors, including the space economy, was published. Titled "Executive Order on Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the Nation’s Cybersecurity," this comprehensive document touches upon several key areas such as space cybersecurity, post-quantum cryptography, and the implementation of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity efforts. The announcement of this order is especially notable for the emerging field of space cybersecurity, which has not seen significant updates since previous directives like the Space Policy Directive-5.
The inclusion of space cybersecurity in this Executive Order signifies an important acknowledgment of the growing cybersecurity threats facing the space industry. Space has traditionally been viewed as a nonpartisan issue, making the political environment surrounding these regulations particularly complex. As new leadership takes the helm, there are concerns that policies from the previous administration may face repeal, potentially sidelining crucial cybersecurity requirements that address vulnerabilities in communications and operational frameworks of space systems.
Key Provisions of the Executive Order
One of the standout elements of the Executive Order is its directive for federal agencies to recommend changes to the cybersecurity requirements for space contracts within six months. This request seeks to align federal acquisition regulations (FAR) with contemporary cybersecurity needs and focuses on fixing potential vulnerabilities, particularly related to the confidentiality of space communications.
The specific requirements identified in the order include:
- Encrypting commands to safeguard the confidentiality of communications
- Ensuring commands remain unaltered during transit
- Verifying that only authorized parties issue commands
- Rejecting unapproved command and control attempts
Such measures target the potential for cyberattacks designed to disrupt communications between spacecraft and ground control, a strategy that could undermine missions and jeopardize national security.
The Importance of Ground Station Security
The Executive Order also calls for a thorough examination of ground stations managed by federal agencies. The objective is to determine if these stations classify as "major information systems," based on definitions within U.S. law. While aimed at federal operations, this focus on ground stations is likely to influence commercial space operators who contract with the government. Improved cybersecurity standards for these infrastructures are expected to emerge from the recommendations made by federal agencies.
As humans prepare for missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO), this imperative for cybersecurity becomes even more critical. The upcoming Artemis 2 mission, scheduled for 2026, exemplifies the need for robust infrastructure capable of safeguarding both personnel and systems during complex operations in cislunar space.
Building on Existing Policies
The new Executive Order builds upon previous initiatives like Space Policy Directive-5, which offered foundational principles for cybersecurity in space but lacked specifics and enforcement mechanisms. Since the release of that directive, there has been a growing recognition among federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), of the essential role cybersecurity plays in securing space operations.
By employing the FAR, this Executive Order operationalizes previous principles and offers actionable guidance for space operators, thus pushing the envelope for advanced cybersecurity measures.
Broader Implications for Critical Infrastructure
However, not everyone in the commercial space sector views this Executive Order as a panacea. The absence of space from other key national security frameworks, such as National Security Memorandum-22, highlighted ongoing concerns that space systems may be inadequately recognized as critical infrastructure. Nonetheless, the recent Executive Order does underscore the significance of space cyber capabilities and their integral role in global communications and infrastructure resilience.
The reference to cyberattacks on satellite systems during geopolitical conflicts further affirms the urgency of these discussions within the context of national security.
Future Projections
The next 100 days after any administration transition will be telling in determining the fate of these newly established cybersecurity frameworks within the space economy. While the Executive Order could be swiftly repealed, certain provisions may endure due to their nonpartisan nature along with the broader urgency posed by cybersecurity challenges.
Space leaders and organizations must navigate this complex landscape with strategic foresight, particularly as they prepare for new contract requirements that will likely arise following the issuance of recommendations to the FAR Council. The government’s involvement and investment in cybersecurity solutions could set new industry standards and expectations, thereby driving significant advancements in space security.
Actions for Space Leaders
Despite the uncertain longevity of the Biden administration’s Executive Order, space industry leaders are urged to take specific actions to ensure they meet or exceed expected cybersecurity standards:
Review Existing Contracts: Assess current federal contracts for compliance with evolving cybersecurity requirements.
Evaluate Internal Policies: Ensure that internal cybersecurity protocols align with federal expectations.
Develop Detailed Cybersecurity Plans: Create comprehensive strategies for incorporating robust security measures into communications systems.
Identify Essential Infrastructure: Determine if operations qualify as crucial infrastructure necessary for future space missions.
- Cultivate Talent: Focus on attracting technical and non-technical cybersecurity professionals to strengthen the workforce.
This Executive Order serves not just as a response to urgent cybersecurity needs but also as a significant opportunity for the space economy—highlighting the critical need for resilient and secure infrastructure capable of supporting ambitious missions well beyond our immediate orbit.
In conclusion, although the future of this Executive Order remains uncertain, it undeniably casts a spotlight on space cybersecurity’s critical importance. As the space economy evolves and expands, the necessity for strong security measures to protect operations, personnel, and missions is more pressing than ever. Building a resilient foundation in this area will not only secure current operations but also pave the way for innovation and exploration in the years to come.
