AIKO France signed the SafetySat Project with CNES

In the ever-expanding realm of satellite deployment, where interconnected constellations are becoming the norm, safeguarding space assets against malicious activities is paramount. The solution for these challenges is the focus of the new project designed by AIKO, thanks to the funding by CNES, under the name of SafetySat.

AIKO presented an innovative approach aimed at fortifying satellite operations against potential threats. The focus lies on developing advanced on-board safety software capable of identifying and neutralizing hazardous commands while analyzing data patterns to detect anomalies indicative of malicious intent.

The cornerstone of AIKO's approach is twofold: employing expert system technology to pinpoint risky commands and leveraging data-driven analysis to identify irregular communication patterns or signs of external interference, such as jamming. By fortifying the satellite's on-board defenses, AIKO's solution aims to complement existing ground-based cybersecurity measures, ensuring a multi-layered approach to protection.

One of the critical vulnerabilities addressed by AIKO's approach is the blind acceptance of telecommands by satellites. Traditionally, as long as commands are correctly decoded, they are trusted implicitly. However, this trust opens the door to potential exploitation by malicious actors seeking to disrupt operations or compromise mission objectives.

In response to these challenges, AIKO's on-board safety software undergoes rigorous validation, including testing against realistic attack scenarios provided by CNES. This validation process ensures the efficacy and reliability of the software prototype in real-world situations, highlighting its potential to mitigate emerging threats in space.

Moreover, AIKO's commitment to innovation extends beyond on-board solutions, with plans to adapt the technology for ground systems. This comprehensive approach will enable thorough testing and validation across both space and ground segments, ensuring a holistic defense strategy against evolving cyber threats.