U.S. officials have recently warned that Chinese and Russian spy agencies are actively targeting private American space companies, aiming to steal critical technologies and launching cyberattacks that could disable U.S. satellites during a conflict or emergency. The National Counterintelligence and Security Center, the FBI, and the Air Force have issued an advisory to American companies regarding these threats.
The warning highlights the risk of foreign intelligence services attempting to breach computer networks, infiltrating the supply chain, and placing moles within space companies. The data, intellectual property, and innovations of space companies are at risk, and their importance to the U.S. economy and national security is recognized by foreign intelligence entities.
While the U.S. still builds and launches multimillion-dollar satellites, much of the innovation in space is being led by commercial companies. SpaceX, Blue Origin, and other private companies have given the United States a significant advantage in space, which has drawn the attention of foreign adversaries.
The U.S. government relies on the private-sector space industry for intelligence and surveillance purposes. However, concerns have risen about the vulnerabilities of these companies to infiltration by Chinese and Russian intelligence agencies. Some officials believe that the space industry needs to enhance its security measures against such attempts.
In recent years, the Justice Department has charged individuals from China, Russia, and Iran in various attempts to steal space-related technology. Instances of infiltration attempts have also been reported. United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin, disclosed an attempt by a Chinese firm to infiltrate its supply chain.
American officials fear that the disabling of space-based communications and imaging satellites could be an initial move in a future conflict. As evidenced during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, hackers linked to the Russian government conducted cyberattacks to disrupt communications capabilities. Additionally, the jamming of satellites has become a focus for Russian activities.
To combat these threats, the advisory recommends that companies track anomalous incidents on their computer networks, establish protocols to identify potential foreign agents within their organizations, conduct due diligence on potential investors, and prioritize the protection of vital intellectual properties.
Overall, it is crucial for American space companies to be vigilant and actively bolster their security measures to counter the growing threats posed by Chinese and Russian intelligence agencies.