Are we entering a new space race? In a manner of speaking, it could be argued we’re already in that race, as the barriers to launching satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) become lower, and cyber criminals subsequently identify a new source of critical information to disrupt, intercept, utilise or even take over.
In this respect, the “race” that has already begun is one that requires both governmental and private players to unite and ensure optimum resilience across the systems being placed in our planet’s periphery. Meanwhile, competitors in this – long distance but relatively quick – race are looking to build on examples of early exploitation, to enhance their competencies, and prepare for a future where space is simply a database with a bird’s eye view.
But what was the starting pistol that triggered this particular contest?
“Ultimately, it is a combination of engineering factors that contribute to dramatically reduced costs of launch,” says Adrian Nish, head of cyber at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. “You can get things into space much more cheaply than in decades gone by, largely thanks to advances in technology, and manufacturers being able…
