SpaceComputer to Test Unhackable Satellite Security in October Demo

SpaceComputer is preparing to demonstrate its secure compute architecture, Space Fabric, on a satellite mission next month. The system aims to improve security for orbital operations by addressing vulnerabilities in current satellite designs. Space Fabric combines hardware and software to sit on top of a satellite’s compute module. It creates cryptographic keys directly on board, ensuring sensitive data never touches terrestrial systems or other payloads. This approach provides verifiable proof that processes executed in orbit were indeed performed there.

The architecture is open-source, offering an alternative to existing bespoke, closed-source systems. It establishes a physical barrier between subsystems, preventing unauthorised access or tampering in rideshare scenarios where multiple payloads share the same bus. SpaceComputer’s CTO has emphasised the importance of such security measures, noting that risks extend beyond communications to include supply chain and on-board vulnerabilities.

The demo mission, scheduled for October, will take place on a Spacemanic satellite. It will validate two key features: the creation of a secure partition between payloads and the generation of cryptographic proofs to confirm orbital execution. The October mission will test Space Fabric’s ability to secure satellite operations without disrupting the on-board computer. If successful, the system could provide a new standard for protecting sensitive data in shared satellite environments.