Cybersecurity in space is becoming increasingly important. The potential vulnerabilities of commercial products threaten space systems. For this reason, cybersecurity researchers how to protect systems in space They are looking for new ways to learn.

One of these methods is using a hackable satellite in space. The cube satellite called Moonlighter was launched into orbit on June 5, 2023, attached to a SpaceX rocket. This satellite will be held in Las Vegas in August. At the hacker conference DEF CON It will be part of a competition. In the competition, five teams try to get their hands on the satellite’s software.

How does Moonlighter work?

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A project jointly developed by The Aerospace Corporation, the Air Force Research Laboratory and the US Space Systems Command. Moonlighter’s goal is to understand and improve cyber operations in space. The satellite runs a software payload that works like a real flight computer. This software is loading It is designed to be subjected to multiple attacks and captured.

But the satellite It is not possible to completely destroy or destroy. Because the satellite uses a sandbox approach that protects critical subsystems. Thus, experiments with cyber attacks are reproducible, realistic and safe, while ensuring the health and safety of the satellite.

To detect vulnerabilities of space systems and make them more secure collaborate with hackers Really sensible idea. What do you think? Please don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments.