The Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC), a Colorado-based organization monitoring threats to space systems, opened its first international operations center in Australia.

The new “watch center” will enhance real-time threat intelligence gathering and defense against cyber attacks on space assets, the organization announced Nov. 18.

The expansion comes amid growing concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities in orbital systems. “Many satellites in orbit today have fewer cybersecurity safeguards than the average smartphone or personal computer,” said Chris Weggeman, managing director at the consulting firm Deloitte and head of the company’s government cybersecurity practice.

Space ISAC, established in 2019 as a non-profit organization, serves as a central hub for sharing information about threats, vulnerabilities, and incidents affecting the space industry across commercial, civil and national security sectors.

The Australian facility follows the organization’s first watch center, which began operations in Colorado Springs in 2023. The expansion was facilitated through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Space ISAC and the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre in June 2024.

The move reflects growing international concern about the security of space-based assets, which are increasingly critical to global communications, navigation and defense systems. Cyber threats to these systems have become a particular focus for Space ISAC in recent years.

The Space ISAC plans to open additional international locations, though specific sites have not been announced.

Select information sharing is important in identifying and mitigating future national cyber threats that threaten national space-based systems. The ability to compare notes with trusted partners concerning threats allows a widened range of information that may provide insight that may not occur without it. The opening of the Australian Space ISAC realizes the importance of sharing knowledge of cyberthreats with international partners.

Sources: Satellite security monitor Space ISAC expands footprint with Australian center – SpaceNews