In the article, it was mentioned that the last satellite needed by Intelsat to claim nearly $5 billion in total C-band spectrum clearing proceeds is performing well after its previous launch on a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite consists of two payloads: Galaxy-37 in C-band, serving Intelsat’s broadcast customers over the continental U.S., and Horizons-4, partly owned by Japan’s JSAT International, which provides Ku-band connectivity services over the Pacific Ocean and the U.S. Intelsat launched six satellites in the past 10 months as part of its efforts to migrate broadcast customers into a narrower C-band swath, freeing up frequencies for terrestrial 5G services in the U.S.

The article highlights the need for cybersecurity due to the critical nature of the satellite infrastructure involved. Despite focusing on the successful satellite deployment by Intelsat and SES, cybersecurity remains a paramount concern in the space industry for various reasons:

1. Protecting Satellite Communication: Securing satellites against cyber threats is essential to prevent potential disruptions to critical services like broadcasting, internet connectivity, and emergency communications.
2. Preventing Satellite Hijacking: A compromised satellite could be vulnerable to unauthorized access, leading to potential hijacking or interference with its functions.
3. Safeguarding Data Transmission: Proper cybersecurity is necessary to prevent data interception or alteration during transmission, thereby preserving the integrity and confidentiality of communications.
4. Mitigating Cyber Attacks on Ground Stations: Ground stations that communicate with satellites are also susceptible to cyber attacks.
5. Defending Against Space-based Cyber Threats: The growing interest in space exploration and commercial ventures has attracted attention from malicious actors.
6. Ensuring National Security: Satellites play a crucial role in military and defense operations, including reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and secure communication.
7. Regulatory Compliance: Governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly emphasizing cybersecurity requirements for space operators.

As the satellite industry becomes more interconnected with terrestrial systems, the need for robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overlooked. Safeguarding assets against cyber threats is vital for maintaining the reliability and integrity of satellite operations and the services they provide.

SpaceX launches Intelsat’s last C-band clearing satellite – SpaceNews