SpaceX, Starlink Missing From DHS Space Security Working Group

The Reaction Control System (RCS) for the Falcon 9 first stage (left) firing as it launches NASA's Sentinel Earth Imaging Satellite on the vehicle's second stage. Image: SpaceX

Hawthorne, California-based space transportation services provider Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) and its internet service provider subsidiary SpaceX LLC, commonly known equally Starlink, are absent from the United states Section of Homeland Security's (DHS) Space Systems Critical Infrastructure Working Grouping. The SSC consists of federal agencies, businesses, trade organizations and inquiry centers. Information technology aims to advise the DHS on how to develop risk minimization strategies for services critical to U.S. national security.

Starlink and SpaceX Absent From DHS Working Group That Aims To Reduce Risk To Systems Supporting Disquisitional Infrastructure

The working group was established by the DHS in May this year, with the intent to develop strategies that study and mitigate the hazard to critical American infrastructure assets reliant on space systems. The growth of the space industry has seen several services such every bit broadband internet and satellite imaging become crucial for the industry, authorities and everyday users.

The list of companies present in this working grouping, which is under the wing of the DHS's Critical Infrastructure Partnership Informational Council (CIPAC), was not fabricated public until now. Information technology was shared withVia Satellite by Bob Kolasky, who heads Homeland'due south Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) National Gamble Management Heart (NRMC).

It consists of federal agencies, established space companies and small-scale and medium enterprises (SMEs) along with other bodies. Some of the established players present are The Boeing Visitor, Amazon Web Services and Lockheed Martin. The list of federal agencies present includes xiii entities, including the National Aeronautics and Infinite Administration (NASA), the National Security Agency (NSA), the U.S. Space Command and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

As well present is the Sierra Nevada Corporation who is developing a stock-still-wing spacecraft for NASA and Viasat, a California-based geostationary satellite cyberspace services provider.

The total list of DHS's Space Systems Critical Infrastructure Working Group shared with Via Satellite. Prototype: Via Satellite

Yet, both SpaceX and its subsidiary Starlink are absent from the working group. SpaceX has managed to establish itself equally a disquisitional transportation services provider to NASA. The bureau relies on the company to conduct crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS), with SpaceX being the only American entity, government or otherwise, that is capable of these missions.

Additionally, Starlink is besides the but American company that is operating thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit to provide users, commercial and non-commercial, with Cyberspace connectivity. Virginia-based aerospace house Northrop Grumman, which operates the Cygnus cargo spacecraft for NASA's ISS missions through its Antares rocket is also absent from the list shared by Mr. Kolasky.

SpaceX'southward Falon 9 medium-elevator rockets are the only ones in the globe that are capable of landing their first stage boosters post-launch. Through these, the company has drastically reduced payload costs in an industry known for loftier price tags. SpaceX also conducts cargo missions to the ISS through its Dragon spacecraft.

It is also developing the Starship launch vehicle platform in Boca Chica, Texas to conduct Moon landings for NASA, with the Pentagon having expressed interest in the vehicle for bespeak-to-indicate missions on the Globe'due south surface. Additionally, Starlink is besides working with the Defence Department to design and develop missile alert satellites.

Despite its rapid growth, the space sector is yet to exist designated every bit critical infrastructure by the U.Southward. government. According to the DHS website, this designation implies a sector,

. . .whose assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or devastation would have a debilitating effect on security, national economical security, national public health or safety, or any combination thereof

In his talk with Via Satellite, Mr. Kolsaky commented on this fact and explained that:

"At that place may be [industries] where you don't need a sector designation — and this could be where nosotros stop upwards with space — you just need abiding attending to empathise the risks and brand certain that the players who are the large drivers are mitigating those risks; that information sharing arrangements are in place; and that communications channels are open up, and we are having regular dialogues."