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NEW PUBLICATION: Rebalancing Space Governance: a Global South perspective on outer space as a global commons (FRONTIERS IN SPACE TECHNOLOGIES JOURNAL)
I still remember the first time I zoomed in on a satellite image and realized someone, somewhere, was trusting this technology to guide an airplane, track a storm, or even help locate a lost ship at sea. It was awe-inspiring… and terrifying. Awe, because we’ve built machines that orbit hundreds of miles away from us, silently working to keep the world connected. Terrifying, because I knew that if these systems could be created, they could also be compromised.
Satellite in space
That’s where my fascination with the intersection of space and cybersecurity began. I’ve always been drawn to innovation, not just for the sake of building things, but for creating tools that help people understand and explore the world. Over the years, I’ve poured that passion into projects like Astroguide, a browser-based astronomy learning tool; IP Tracker, which uses NASA and ISRO satellite imagery to visualize global positioning; and Virtual Space Zone, a web-based environment that blends space exploration, oceanography, and interactive simulations. Working on these tools has taught me something important: space is no longer just for scientists in lab coats or astronauts in zero gravity. It’s woven into our daily lives, quietly running in the background. The GPS that directs you to a new restaurant, the satellite data that predicts tomorrow’s weather, the broadband internet reaching rural communities, all rely on space technology. But here’s the catch: every connection point is also a vulnerability.
Satellites are, in many ways, just computers in orbit. They receive commands from Earth, and like any connected device, they can be hacked. Imagine a hacker taking control of a satellite, rerouting data, disabling systems, or even feeding false information to the people who rely on it. I’ve seen, through my work on IP Tracker, how precise geolocation is both a marvel and a liability. If it’s wrong, deliberately wrong, it can mislead ships, planes, or entire nations.
And it’s not just satellites themselves. The ground stations that control them are equally vulnerable. If someone infiltrates those systems, it’s like getting the keys to a space-bound kingdom. Then there’s GPS spoofing, tricking receivers into thinking they’re somewhere they’re not, something that could disrupt aviation, shipping, or autonomous vehicles.
SAR Image Grid map (Kaistha's Group)
These risks aren’t abstract to me. They’re embedded in every project I’ve built. Astroguide taught me the value of open, safe access to space knowledge. IP Tracker showed me the double-edged sword of geolocation data. Virtual Space Zone made me think deeply about how integrated space systems need robust digital protection, because the more immersive and interconnected they become, the more tempting they are to cybercriminals. The solutions are there if we commit to them: encrypt every transmission, adopt Zero Trust systems that verify every user and device, deploy AI monitoring that can detect intrusions early, and prepare for the quantum era with stronger, future-proof algorithms. These aren’t just IT best practices, they’re the security blanket for our digital cosmos.
Space cybersecurity
The future will only make this more urgent. AI-driven satellites and autonomous probes will soon be making real-time decisions far from human oversight. A hacked climate satellite could alter global weather models. A tampered telescope could change the way we see the universe itself.
I believe we’re at a turning point. The next frontier of space exploration won’t be marked just by rocket launches; it will be defined by how well we protect the invisible threads connecting Earth to the stars. My journey, from building learning tools to visualizing global data, has shown me that space cybersecurity isn’t a niche concern; it’s the foundation for a safe, transparent, and inclusive future beyond our planet.
"Cybersecurity isn’t just for Earth anymore, it’s for the cosmos too."
"Cybersecurity isn’t just for Earth anymore, it’s for the cosmos too."
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