On June 17th, Redwire announced that it was awarded the prime integration for the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency’s (DARPA) Otter program. Under this contract, Redwire will develop and deliver a very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellite integrating an “air breathing” electric propulsion system under development within the Otter program. VLEO capability provides opportunities for the DoD to circumvent congested LEO and GEO orbits, fly over “airborne anti-access access areas,” and operate closer to areas of interest/responsibility than current satellite constellations.
Redwire will use its modular SabreSat design to accommodate potential DoD payloads and integrate electric propulsion systems developed by the Electric Propulsion Laboratory and/or Phase Four. Both companies have DARPA Otter contracts to develop VLEO electric propulsion systems. Redwire’s Digitally Engineered Mission Systems & Integration (DEMSI) platform will incorporate high-fidelity physics and thermosphere models to model atmospheric drag and project atomic oxygen-driven material degradation to support VLEO lifecycle management and mission planning.
VLEO systems present several cybersecurity implications, primarily because their positioning enables potential effect/access to LEO constellations and high-altitude airborne assets. Early positioning within VLEO could facilitate the intercept of RF signals between LEO and GEO-based assets and ground or air-based platforms (e.g., UAVs). The potential for shorter lifecycles due to hours/days deorbits versus decades also presents an opportunity for quick attacks.
The SabreSat design also has the potential for proliferated access if adversaries can infiltrate the heritage supply chains. The design’s modular focus implies that only minor variations in payload interfaces will occur as the technology is proven. Adversaries could implement malware within heritage components and/or through software updates on heritage components, affecting a whole fleet of VLEO systems relying on the SabreSat modular design. The compromise of atmospheric models can also be a potential attack vector to initiate satellite deorbit faster than planned. The biggest challenge to Redwire is ensuring that its suppliers, including Electric Propulsion Laboratory and Phase Four have strong cybersecurity processes in place. Additionally, Redwire may benefit from incorporating cybersecurity assessments into its prime integrator acceptance process.
Werner, D. Redwire wins contract for VLEO demonstration. SpaceNews. 17 June 2024. Retrieved on 12 September 2024 from: https://spacenews.com/redwire-wins-darpa-contract-for-vleo-demonstration/