Kristina Hendrix posted an article on October 5th, 2023 from the University of Alabama Huntsville about intrusion detection system software for small satellites.

Developed for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC), the software is currently being performance tested aboard Lockheed Martin’s In-space Upgrade Satellite System (LM LINUSS™) technology demonstrator CubeSat, that began operations in 2023.

The software called “Small Satellite Defender” is being developed by students from the University of Alabama at Huntsville, who are members of the Space Testing and Resiliency Simulation team (STARS). The software was developed for the USASMDC, but was later modified to run on Lockheed Martin’s LM LINISS demonstrator satellite.

The Small Satellite Defender requires little power, and low bandwidth, monitors specific threats to the satellite. The software is collecting data and periodically sends this information to the ground station. Initial testing shows that the software has passed all in-flight tests and has been performing as designed.

The Lockheed Martin LM LUNISS satellites are intended to demonstrate on-orbit satellite mission reconfiguration. The intrusion detection software was added to the mission.

This is also part of the State of Alabama’s effort to develop a pipeline of cybersecurity talent.