Introduction to Cybersecurity for Commercial Satellite Operations

Published

July 25, 2023

Author(s)

Matthew Scholl, Theresa Suloway

Abstract

Space is a newly emerging commercial critical infrastructure sector that is no longer the domain of only national government authorities. Space is an inherently risky environment in which to operate, so cybersecurity risks involving commercial space – including those affecting commercial satellite vehicles – need to be understood and managed alongside other types of risks to ensure safe and successful operations. This report provides a general introduction to cybersecurity risk management for the commercial satellite industry as they seek to start managing cybersecurity risks in space. This document is by no means comprehensive in terms of addressing all of the cybersecurity risks to commercial satellite infrastructure, nor does it explore risks to satellite vehicles, which may be introduced through the implementation of cybersecurity controls. The intent is to present basic concepts, generate discussions, and provide sample references for additional information on pertinent cybersecurity risk management models.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 8270

Report Number

8270

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.8270

Local Download

Keywords

Space Cybersecurity

Citation

Scholl, M. and Suloway, T. (2023), Introduction to Cybersecurity for Commercial Satellite Operations, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.8270, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=936776 (Accessed October 20, 2025)