Small Satellite System Modeling for Vulnerability Analysis

Abstract

The proliferation of ride-share rocket launches and decrease in the overall cost of sending payloads to space due to recent successes in the private space industry has made small satellite systems a cost effective and time-efficient method to put research vehicles in space. Inherent small satellite system functions are investigated to inform the development of a small satellite system model. This small satellite system model is developed using Raspberry Pis and other components commonly found in small satellite systems launched to space. This small satellite system is then tested and analyzed for potential vulnerabilities. A proof-of-concept Man-in-the-Middle attack is successfully executed against the small satellite system model that was developed. The small satellite system model provides a baseline testing system for small satellite designers, developers, and security researchers to improve the overall security posture of these small satellites that are launched into space.