The increasing reliance on space-based capabilities is driving the need to develop solutions that can address the rising likelihood of in-orbit challenges, including those stemming from competition and even potential conflict in the space environment. To maintain and strengthen the nation’s leadership in space, The Aerospace Corporation is actively supporting its government partners to identify collaborative strategies and tools to bolster resiliency faster than before.

Moonlighter, a from-scratch CubeSat, will empower the national security space community to test and refine cybersecurity tactics and techniques. 

One example could be Moonlighter, a cyber test platform developed in partnership with Space Systems Command (SSC) and the Air Force Research Laboratory. Launched on June 5, 2023 from Cape Canaveral on SpX-28, this 3U CubeSat will provide the national security space community with the ability to test and learn where it really counts: real-time in-orbit.