A partnership has been set up by Manchester-headquartered NCC Group and the University of Surrey in a bid to advance security research within the space industry.
Establishing a centre of excellence through the Surrey Space Centre and Surrey Centre for Cyber Security, the agreement has been designed to will utilise the university's expertise in technological innovation and focus on high-impact research to improve the understanding of current and future security challenges.
NCC Group will also sponsor a PhD student to carry out its studies, focusing on the security implications of the use of commercial off-the-shelf components in satellites. Aerospace specialists from the company's Transport Assurance practice will also be providing support to students.
Dr Chris Bridges, senior lecturer at Surrey Space Centre, said: "With smallsats and nanosatellites becoming commonplace and the typical launch and regulatory barriers shifting, more commercial missions are being launched in low earth orbit (LEO). Understanding the risks to these important assets and how they are managed is critical for ensuring the security of future infrastructure."
Andy Davis, transport assurance practice director at NCC Group, added: "From GPS navigation and global data communication, to weather forecasting and connecting international phone calls, satellites are pivotal to our everyday lives, yet many people don't realise this.
"Cyber security research in this field is urgently required and establishing this centre of excellence will help further increase knowledge about the potential threats facing emerging space assets. With the University of Surrey's track record of bringing together business and academia, I've no doubt this partnership will be a huge success."