While the role of commercial space systems is extending in security and economic society in Japan, there are growing concerns about cybersecurity due to the spread of digital technology in space systems and the advancing complexity of networks. Considering this situation, the Japanese government released the Guidelines on Cybersecurity Measures for Commercial Space Systems Ver 1.0 on 21 July 2022 to encourage business operators to take voluntary cybersecurity measures. The guidelines cover earth observation satellites and ground systems (satellite operation facilities, satellite data utilization facilities, development and manufacturing facilities) mainly operated by commercial companies, and cover the design, development, manufacturing, operation, maintenance, and disposal phases of satellite systems. The guidelines divide cybersecurity measures into (i) measures common to all organizations associated with space systems and (ii) measures unique to space systems, and the latter ones include the following requirements:
a. Comply with the relevant laws and regulations including the Space Activities Act, Remote Sensing Act and the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, and provide appropriate response throughout the lifecycle;
b. Implement cybersecurity measures in the satellite system (main unit and RF communication);
c. Implement cybersecurity measures for satellite operation facilities (tracking and control station, receiving station, network operation system, mission control system, including satellite control system and orbit control system);
d. Implement cybersecurity measures for satellite data utilization facilities; ande. Implement cybersecurity measures for satellite development and manufacturing facilities.
For the English summary of the guidelines, please refer to: Guidelines on Cybersecurity Measures for Commercial Space Systems Ver. 1.0 Summary
Guidelines on Cybersecurity Measures for Commercial Space Systems Ver 1.0 Summary
Tetsuji Odan (大段 徹次), a member of JSLA and an attorney at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto
Tetsuji Odan | Japan Space Law Association (japan-space-law-association.org)
Tetsuji Odan | MORI HAMADA & MATSUMOTO (mhmjapan.com)
(Source: Guidelines on Cybersecurity Measures for Commercial Space Systems Ver. 1.0 Summary)