First Worldwide hacking of an in orbit satellite: how to ensure a long term cyber protection for space

As part of the third edition of CYSAT, the Thales offensive cybersecurity team took up the challenge of remotely taking control of the OPS-SAT satellite, an ESA nanosatellite, by identifying vulnerabilities that could disrupt the operation of the ESA satellite, a flying laboratory for third parties to load experimental software and firmware.

This world-first satellite hacking exercise will enhance the security of the satellite and associated applications, contributing to the development of cyber resilience in space equipment to better protect sensitive data and ensure the long-term viability of space programs.