“Small satellites with propulsion and no encryption should be banned”

A group of university researchers argues that small satellites equipped with propulsion systems should not be allowed into space if they are not also equipped with secure control systems.

According to a team of PhD students, small satellites with propulsion systems and unsecured control systems pose a risk because they can be hacked and thus endanger other satellites. The website Space Intel Report reports that the researchers presented their research at the Utah State University Conference on Small Satellites. The scientists want the space industry to take steps to prevent such unsecured small satellites from being launched, in order to prevent incidents that could lead to “overreacting government agencies.”

The study looked at many different propulsion systems for cubesats that are at level TRL-6 or higher, indicating how close it is to launch the satellite into the market. Based on estimates and data, the scientists concluded that a propulsion satellite with a single chemical in space can travel 2000km in two hours. For systems with hot gas this is 475 km in 27 hours and for cold gas 350 km in three weeks.

The recommendation comes at a time when small satellite developers are increasingly looking at the possibilities of integrating more advanced chemical and electrical propulsion systems. The addition of propulsion systems is interesting because of the possibility of making course corrections and avoiding collisions with space debris or other satellites.

Some of these techniques can significantly alter the speed and orbit of the small satellites. According to the researchers, it is difficult to track a hacked and detoured small satellite and to be able to issue warnings in time. The danger can be considerable, especially with chemical propulsion systems with fuel on board.

According to researcher Andrew Kurzrok of Yale University, there is no known case yet where a small satellite with a propulsion system has been hacked, but he says it is only a matter of time. He believes that this should mainly be prevented by self-regulation in the sector.

These are SmallSats, which often have a mass of 180 kg or less. Satellites that are used by government agencies or commercial parties, for example, are often provided with encryption, but due to a lack of money, this does not always apply to smaller satellites of, for example, academic institutions.