Abstract
The number of operating satellites increased from 1,400 in 2015 to 5,500 in 2022. Forecasts indicate that, at the conclusion of the current decade, the aggregate figure is projected to reach around 58,000. One major reason for this increase is the planned deployment of many satellite constellations by private companies with the goal of improving services such as Internet connectivity in rural localities (GAO, 2022).
Satellite constellations play a vital role in enabling worldwide connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT). The introduction of the 5G network, facilitated by technological improvements, enables widespread communications for machine-type devices (Faqir Zarrar Yousaf & Al., 2018). Satellite constellations are crucial for connecting many IoT applications globally, facilitating uses that necessitate extensive coverage, like smart agriculture, asset tracking, and environmental monitoring (Ledesma, O. & al., 2024).
Extract
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[...] Integrating redundancy into satellite networks guarantees uninterrupted service in the event of a satellite being hacked. Rapid response protocols are also essential to immediately isolate and mitigate the consequences of compromised satellites. Having addressed the cybersecurity risks over satellite communication networks, let's now examine the technological and operational difficulties linked to satellite constellations, as well as their geopolitical and legal consequences. II. Geopolitical and legal consequences This section will explore the dual-use nature of satellite technology and its national security issues and the necessity for updated international regulations A. [...]
[...] For example, the European Space Agency (ESA) and private groups have developed satellite constellations that provide space-based tracking. Also, the utilization of machine learning and artificial intelligence enables the accurate prediction of potential collisions by analyzing vast amounts of tracking data, thus improving the effectiveness and safety of space traffic management. Efforts to enhance global deconfliction are underway through collaborations worldwide, focusing on data standardization and sharing. Recently, there has been a growing danger of collisions resulting from the rise in the quantity of space debris and satellites. [...]
[...] Faqir Zarrar Yousaf & al. (2018). "NFV and SDN - Key Technology." Journal on Selected Areas in Communications 35.11. p2. https://arxiv.org/pdf/1806.07316 GAO. (2022). "TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT Large constellations of satellites mitigating environmental and other effects". United States Government Accountability Office [Preprint]. 1. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-22-105166.pdf. Ledesma, O. & al. (2024). [...]
[...] Nevertheless, the implementation of extensive satellite constellations also presents possible risks. Countries may perceive the widespread array of satellites, particularly those under the control of foreign groups, as a significant strategic menace. This view can result in a competition to acquire advanced weaponry in space, as nations strive to build anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons to counteract perceived threats (Talia M. Blatt, 2020). The ambiguous functionality of these technologies adds complexity to the situation, making it difficult to distinguish between satellites used for civilian purposes and those used for military purposes. [...]
