The Moonlighter satellite, launched by SpaceX and NASA together, will be attacked by hackers at DEF CON. This is a first for testing cybersecurity in space.
Cybersecurity in space is becoming more and more 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 to use a hackable satellite in space. The cube satellite called Moonlighter was sent into orbit on June 5, 2023, attached to a rocket of SpaceX. 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 will try to get hold of the satellite’s software.
How does Moonlighter work?
moonlighter
A project jointly developed by The Aerospace Corporation, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the U.S. Space Systems Command, the goal of Moonlighter is to understand and improve cyber operations in space. The satellite runs a software payload that acts like a real flight computer. This software load It is designed to be subject to multiple attacks and be captured.
However, the satellite It is not possible to completely destroy or destroy. Because the satellite uses a sandbox approach that protects critical subsystems. Thus, cyber-attack experiments are reproducible, realistic and safe, while ensuring the health and safety of the satellite.
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To detect vulnerabilities of space systems and make them more secure collaborating with hackers Really sensible idea. What are you thinking? Please do not forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments.