Space Platform Overlay
06/01/2013 1 Attachment 2 to Appendix F
Space Platform Overlay
1. Characteristics and Assumptions
A space system is a defined set of interrelated processes, communications links, and devices
providing specified products or services to users or customers from a space platform(s), or
directly necessary for the proper operation of the space platform(s). Examples of space system
devices or components are space platforms; payloads; space bus/payload operations centers;
mission/user terminals for initial reception, processing, and/or exploitation; and launch systems.
These devices or components can be categorized into four segments: space segment, launch
segment, ground segment, and user segment. Space platforms and payloads constitute the space
segment. Launch vehicles, launch ranges, launch site services, and payload adapters constitute
the launch segment. Space bus/payload operations centers constitute the ground segment.
Mission terminals constitute the user segment. The life cycle of a space platform consists of the
following phases: on-ground development, on-ground testing, pre-operational testing in space,
operations in space, and decommissioning.
This overlay applies to information technology (IT) components of unmanned space platforms in
the space segment of national security space systems (whether experimental
1
or operational).
This overlay does not apply to ground or user segments or to the launch segment, nor does it
address the space platform while it is in development or testing on the ground.
2
The assumptions
made in this section about the applicable unmanned space platforms do not necessarily hold true
for manned space platforms or the launch, user, or ground segments.
This overlay does not capture all sources of requirements driving selection of controls. Security
requirements for space systems are contained in Committee on National Security Systems Policy
(CNSSP) No. 12, National Information Assurance Policy for Space Systems Used to Support
National Security Missions, and other issuances such as department- or service-specific
directives and instructions used to implement CNSSP No. 12. Mission-specific technologies,
designs, threats, and concepts of operation (CONOPS) also drive security requirements.
Unmanned space platforms in the space segment differ from ground systems—they do not suffer
the same threats and vulnerabilities as information systems on the ground. The following
describe assumptions made about or characteristics of unmanned space platforms driving the
need to use the Space Platform Overlay (i.e., add or subtract controls):
Space platforms after launch are impractical to physically access for repairs,
reconfiguration, updates, or maintenance once deployed; therefore, many controls
associated with these activities are not selected or must be implemented differently than
intended by the control text. However, the ability for robotic spacecraft to physically
access current and future space platforms is quickly emerging. This will likely require a
1
The concept of “experimental” may refer to a space platform but more often refers to only a payload on the space platform. Experimental
payloads usually do not have command and control capabilities. The experimental asset may not require full protections, because it is not
supporting real-world operations.
2
Ground-based components of space systems may use other appropriate overlays (e.g., tactical, highly sensitive INTs).
