Technological prowess, especially regarding humanity’s increased presence in space, is increasingly becoming the linchpin of global competitiveness and national security. There, new opportunities to integrate AI are accompanied by a new generation of risks.
Artificial intelligence in particular plays a crucial role in democratizing access to space exploration and research, opening it to many beyond just governmental space agencies, as evidenced by the large number of commercially financed and operated space launches over the last five years. As launch companies adopt AI-enabled autonomous flight safety systems, Space Launch Delta 45 is saving on mission control chairs and looping out about a dozen facilities across the base per launch. SpaceX uses an AI autopilot system to enable its Falcon 9 craft to carry out autonomous operations, such as docking with the International Space Station.
Today’s AI capabilities enable a breadth of advantages that yesterday’s space 1.0 pioneers could only have imagined. AI can continuously monitor the trajectories of space debris and satellites in real-time, calculating the risk of potential collisions. By predicting close encounters well in advance, AI systems can automatically suggest or even execute maneuvers to avoid collisions, ensuring the safety and longevity of satellites. This will reduce the amount of personnel needed to conduct even the most highly complex space missions. AI can assist in simulating and testing satellite components and systems, reducing the need for expensive physical prototypes.
Satellite communications are also improved by optimizing network bandwidth and resources, while AI algorithms quickly analyze massive amounts of satellite imagery and data transmitted over those same networks. New AI-derived scientific insights inform critical terrestrial capabilities such as weather forecasting, agriculture, urban planning, environmental monitoring and more. AI can even help predict and track the path of the growing volume of space debris to improve space situational awareness.
By harnessing the power of AI, the barriers to entry for space exploration and utilization are significantly reduced, enabling a broader spectrum of participants to engage with space, from startups and universities to nations that previously lacked access to space.
More players, more risks
The democratization of space enhances mission efficiency and broadens participation in the space economy. However, it also introduces complex cybersecurity challenges for space-based assets crucial to national security. And that exposes the need for a new generation of technologies to be used in conjunction with existing investments.
This is again where AI emerges as a crucial factor. For each benefit AI enables in spaceflight and satellite design and communications, there is a converse risk of attack, infiltration and compromise. The potential of AI to generate malware capable of evading current security measures presents a real challenge. Adversaries can train AI using data from past breaches to access advanced threat detection software, creating a cycle of escalating cyber-attacks and defensive measures. The unfortunate asymmetry of cyber-attacks is striking: bad actors need only a single breach to wreak significant damage, while defenders must be constantly vigilant to safeguard against threats that could present anywhere.
The integration of AI technologies in crafting sophisticated fictitious news, disinformation, phishing emails, utilizing deep fake technology for fraud, and generating fake audio content with deceptive intent represents a significant evolution in cyber threats, especially with the recent rise of generative AI tech. This interconnected web of AI-powered behavior, seen in both space security concerns and the spread of misinformation through deep fake news, underscores the critical need for advanced cybersecurity measures and vigilance across all domains of technology and communication.
For each benefit AI enables in spaceflight and satellite design and communications, there is a converse risk of attack, infiltration and compromise.
Even while AI can be used to generate new threats and risks, it can conversely be applied to alleviating some of the burdens in complex security processes. By harnessing AI, security professionals can effectively manage the overwhelming five Vs of big data — volume, velocity, variety, veracity and value — enhancing data utility while ensuring its accuracy. This advantage is critical at a time marked by a shortage of professionals capable of manually handling these functions. This manifests itself especially in the areas of both space domain awareness and constellation management. As more active payloads and debris occupy the same orbits, the ability to react by changing orbit to prevent collisions grows increasingly important.
Security beyond the Kármán line
We are wielding a dual-edged sword: the opportunities these AI advancements offer and the new vulnerabilities they introduce. As we venture further into an era marked by cybersecurity challenges, infrastructure innovations, and the quest for workforce efficiencies, organizations that effectively leverage AI in their cybersecurity strategies, especially in the context of space and sensor technologies, will not only protect their operations but also gain a competitive edge.
A future characterized by the intersection of AI, cyber, space, satellites and sensors holds the promise of resilience, innovation and security. However, this future also presents opportunities for adversaries to disrupt without significant infrastructure investments. That necessitates vigilance, adaptability and a commitment to thoughtful AI regulation.
To maintain its strategic edge, the United States, alongside businesses navigating the modern space economy and national defense intricacies, must adeptly balance the benefits of unprecedented new efficiencies that will be realized as the result of the implementation of AI across the satellite design, launch and operations spectrum. There will be enormous cost savings there. However, there will be additional costs to security and defense of satellites as a result of the same AI implementation by bad actors in the community, who may launch attacks against satellites post-launch and during manufacturing. There is a real need for a secure data sharing process for both discovered and potential vulnerabilities in the supply chain. Finding a way to encourage cooperation (before there are mandates) between corporations and government will be critical in keeping pace with both the promise that AI will clearly provide and the threats that will come with it. Engaging with the latest AI developments, understanding their cybersecurity implications and anticipating technological breakthroughs are essential for securing a prosperous future in this dynamic environment.
Paul Maguire is the CEO and Co-founder of Knowmadics, an integrated software developer with a focus on security requirements for both terrestrial and space-based assets. He is a former Naval Intelligence Officer specializing in space collections, and civilian program manager for the Air Force Space and Reconnaissance Office involved with the design of future national space systems. Maguire has also co-authored papers on Multi-Spectral Imagery and Imagery Exploitation.
