Are Satellites Cyber Physical Systems?

Conference · Mon Sep 09 00:00:00 EDT 2024

OSTI ID:2458166

Jones, Rachel C. ^[1]

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1. Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), Aiken, SC (United States)

Abstract— Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are a key part of modern infrastructure. However, satellites are often excluded from discussions of CPS, despite their evident cyber-physical attributes, such as the ability to respond to information from its surroundings and adjust accordingly. Through a brief examination of relevant literature, we prove that satellites are CPSs, specifically through payload-bus interactions that occur on a satellite. By establishing satellites as a form of CPS, we hope to encourage its inclusion in discussions for bettering the security of such systems.

• Research Organization: Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), Aiken, SC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM)
• DOE Contract Number: 89303321CEM000080
• OSTI ID: 2458166
• Report Number(s): SRNL-STI-2024-00471
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English