A Risk Analysis of Communication, Navigation and Sensing Satellite Systems Threats

Abstract

The use of space systems to support Communication Navigation Sensing and Services (CONASENSE) activities has increased exponentially since their first application in 1965 with the Initial Defense Satellite Communications System. Although the first major application was for communications services, space-based capabilities have now expanded to provide a wide range of other types of services. Today these applications include navigation, targeting, mapping, remote sensing, surveillance and meteorological tracking, prediction and other services [1, 2]. Currently space is seen as a new frontier in which satellites play a major role. Given the importance of CONASENSE satellite services in today’s life and huge amounts of financial resources and the state-of-the-art technological capabilities, that are necessary to realize this kind of technology, it makes a satellite system a realistic target for threats. Currently cyber threats are becoming the most obvious resources to take adversary action against CONASENSE satellites. In addition to that the ground control stations and antennas will also be vulnerable to cyber threats and conventional threats as well. In this paper the threats of CONASENSE satellites are studied and a risk analysis of the relevant threats is provided. The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the role it can possibly play in protective measures are also included.