Aerospace Cybersecurity: Satellite Hacking

Learn the essentials of satellite cybersecurity through hands-on activities and real-world tutorials. Explore satellite network infrastructure, decode transmissions, analyze vulnerabilities, and conduct digital forensics on real satellites in orbit. Perfect for cybersecurity enthusiasts and professionals eager to secure space technologies.

Who is this course for?

This course is meant for anyone who wants to learn more about space-related cybersecurity specifically in relation to satellite systems. This course is meant for anyone of any skill level who is interested in expanding their skill set in satellite reconnaissance and vulnerability analysis.

What skills will you gain?

  • A deep understanding of satellite communication systems
  • Space-based OSINT skills
  • Using Python scripts to retrieve satellite telemetry
  • Digital forensics techniques with satellites
  • Decoding and identifying satellite communication protocols
  • Detecting for satellite hacking

What tools will you use?

  • A variety of online OSINT tools such as N2YO and Celestrak
  • Python

What will you learn about?

  • Orbital Mechanics
  • Satellite Reconnaissance
  • Decoding Satellite Communication
  • Satellite On-Board Systems
  • Listening to Satellites via Radio Frequencies
  • Vulnerability Analysis of Satellites
  • Common Attacks employed against satellites
  • Detection of satellite hacking

Course format

  • Self-paced
  • Pre-recorded
  • Accessible even after you finish the course
  • No preset deadlines
  • Materials are video, labs, and text
  • All videos captioned

Why take it NOW?

The space industry has been expanding rapidly the past few years and this trend is expected to continue as more companies and organizations conduct space-related research and projects. The democratization and demand in the aerospace industry has also encountered bad actors who try to exploit the new technology for malicious purposes. In order to combat this growing threat, this course instructs you on the foundations of satellite security and detection methods for common satellite cyber attacks.

Master

19

lessons

Includes

23

videos

Over

18 hrs

of content

What we'll cover

Master the essentials of satellite cybersecurity, including Orbital Mechanics, Satellite Reconnaissance, and Decoding Satellite Communication. Dive into Satellite On-Board Systems and learn to Listen to Satellites via Radio Frequencies. Explore Vulnerability Analysis, uncover Common Attacks on Satellites, and develop skills to Detect and Mitigate Satellite Hacking effectively.

Module 1

Satellite Reconnaissance

Satellite reconnaissance is the first stage of any satellite attack process and is critical to learn in order to extract valuable data about the target satellite, such as its telemetry, protocols / encryption methods, and orbital parameters. Students will learn how to track down any satellite in space using open source tools and data sets.

Covered topics: 

  • Satellite Identification 
  • Orbital Parameters and Mechanics
  • Two-Line Element Set Extraction and Interpretation
  • OSINT Tools for Satellite Data Extraction
  • Visualization of Satellite in Orbit
  • Using Python scripts to parse satellite information

Exercises

  • Quizzes and questions about what data can and cannot be extracted about satellites
  • Exercises to compute and visualize a satellite in orbit and its telemetry
  • TLE reading and analysis questions
  • Tests to check ability to successfully use Python scripts to analyze satellite telemetry

Module 2

Communication Analysis and Eavesdropping

The key vulnerability of satellites exists within their use of long-range communication to ground stations via open network security protocols. In this section, students will learn how to analyze communication data transmitted and received by satellites and the underlying concepts of how it works. This is imperative for students to learn because most attacks conducted on satellites involve some sort of manipulation of the satellite’s communication architecture.

Covered topics: 

  • Communication Foundations
  • Frequency Bands and EM Waves
  • Uplink, Downlink, and Communication Methods
  • SATCOM explanation and problems of SATCOM
  • Satellite Onboard Systems
  • Technologies to listen to satellites
  • Intercepting Satellite Signals

Exercises

  • Quizzes and questions about what the underlying concepts that make satellite communication work
  • Questions on satellite communication terminology
  • Interactive exercises using decoders 
  • Questions about satellite communication protocols
  • Identification and questions about satellite onboard systems

Module 3

Reverse Engineering and Decoding Communication

This module covers the techniques necessary to decode satellite communication and what data can be extracted out of satellite communication. This is important to learn because most satellite systems do not adhere to a rigid communication protocol, making them vulnerable to decoding by ground-based attackers.

Covered topics: 

  • Communication Protocols
  • Finding satellite passes 
  • Azimuth and elevation explanation
  • Frequency band extraction exercises using OSINT skills
  • Reverse Engineering Communication
  • SDR tools for communication extraction
  • Bandwidth and sample rate walkthrough
  • Obtaining satellite transmissions
  • Decoding Communication

Exercises

  • Quizzes and questions about satellite frequencies and analysis
  • Pass prediction exercises using online resources
  • Questions about SDR tools and how to use them
  • Reverse engineering technique questions
  • Exercises on decoding images from APT satellites

Module 4

Vulnerabilities and Attacks

The vulnerability and attack section of the course will cover common attacks that are employed to hack into satellites and what vulnerabilities they target. Students will get insight into what technologies are used to hack into satellites and how to mitigate attacks by delving into modern encryption protocols. Topics

Covered topics: 

  • Types of attacks 
  • Jamming / Spoofing
  • Eavesdropping
  • Hijacking and Control
  • TT&C Explanation
  • Common Attack Strategies
  • GNSS Spoofing Example
  • Detecting for Satellite Hacking
  • Attack Mitigation Strategies
  • Future of Aerospace Cybersecurity
  • Resources for Further Exploration

Exercises

  • Questions and quizzes that ask the student to identify the attack / vulnerability given a description of a situation
  • Questions on TT&C
  • GNSS Spoofing exercise
  • Attack Mitigation quiz questions
  • Test on attack strategies and identification

Meet your instructor

Angelina Tsuboi is a programmer, mechatronics developer, and cybersecurity researcher who is currently working for NASA. She is interested in educating others about the exciting field of aerospace cybersecurity in conjunction with developing her own programs and research in the field.

Ready to start watching?

Watching solo? Or looking to get your team up to speed? We've got you covered.

Full Course

$ 399
  • 96 in-depth video tutorials
  • Nearly 18 hours of content
  • Master the art of Satellite Hacking
  • Lifetime access
  • In-depth knowledge of satellite systems.
Early Access

Custom Quote

$ $
  • Contact us today to request a custom quote and explore how we can help your team or students excel.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm having issues with the course. Who can I contact?

Oh no! Send us an email at hello@pentestmag.com.

Can I get an invoice?

Absolutely! After making a purchase we will automatically email you a receipt. If you need a more detailed invoice, just email us.

Do you offer discounts?

Sure, if you live in a country where the USD price is too high or if you are a student, don't hesitate to email us!

Scroll to Top