Aerospace Cybersecurity: Satellite Hacking (W53)

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.

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.

Why this course?

Learning aerospace cybersecurity is crucial in today's interconnected world, where technology plays a pivotal role in the aerospace industry. As the aerospace sector becomes increasingly reliant on digital systems, including aircraft controls, communication networks, and satellite operations, the potential vulnerabilities and risks also grow. By learning aerospace cybersecurity, individuals can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to protect these critical systems from cyber threats and attacks.

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 will you learn about?

1. Orbital Mechanics
2. Satellite Reconnaissance
3. Decoding Satellite Communication
4. Satellite On-Board Systems
5. Listening to Satellites via Radio Frequencies
6. Vulnerability Analysis of Satellites
7. Common Attacks employed against satellites
8. Detection of satellite hacking

What tools will you use?

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

DURATION: 18 hours

CPE POINTS: On completion you get a certificate granting you 18 CPE points. 

Course launch date: September 18th, 2023

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

What will you need?

What should you know before you join?

Only a basic understanding of Python is required.

Module 1 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

Module 1 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 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

Module 2 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 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

Module 3 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 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

Module 4 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