Amazon, Microsoft, SpiderOak join Defense Innovation Unit’s hybrid space network project
This week I read the article Amazon, Microsoft, SpiderOak join Defense Innovation Unit’s hybrid space network project. The article discussed a new requirement from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to build “a hybrid network of government and commercial satellites to transfer data from imaging satellites and quickly deliver it to military or government users” [1]. The network will be expected to enable communication between commercial satellites using the RF spectrum, optical inter-links, military datalinks, and legacy ground networks” [1]. By using “experienced cloud-based providers, proliferated commercial communication satellites, and cybersecurity experts, DIU hopes to have a hybrid network across different orbits to support the Space Forces resilient network in space” [1]
Very interesting security article this week with lots of exciting buzzwords! From a security aspect a few things stuck out to me. The first and foremost is that cybersecurity is actually a main concern of this contract. The article states “SpiderOak will provide cybersecurity software for user authentication and data protection using blockchain ledgers to create a variable trust architecture” [1]. This is a big step for ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data going to space vehicles. This may only because of the desired interoperability/dual use of some space vehicles but it could potentially lead to a standardization of security too. It also speaks to the resiliency expectations of the Space Force in future battles. We’ve discussed a few times that most of the nations who do not play well with the US are increasing their presence in space and proliferating satellites through out every orbit for everything from physically moving satellites to sitting in close proximity to them. By making the cyber-security of satellites a priority at the contracting portion of acquisition, it ensure the requirement will be both funded and part of the initial design vice an afterthought.
[1] S. Erwin, “Amazon, Microsoft, SpiderOak join Defense Innovation Unit’s hybrid space network project,” Nov. 02, 2022. https://spacenews.com/amazon-microsoft-spikeroak-join-defense-innovation-units-hybrid-space-network-project/ (accessed Nov. 02, 2022).