OSA

Cyber vulnerabilities of the US’ space infrastructure pose a tangible threat to national security.  The space industry has few guidelines and even fewer requirements.  The Orbital Security Alliance was formed to develop the missing cybersecurity standards for the space industry.  OSA partners include a mix of experts and representatives from government, industry, and academia.  Member organizations span a wide range of sizes and missions, all with the common understanding of the national security implications of cybersecurity in the space industry.

Leadership/Advisors

Harrison Caudill, Director

Harrison spent most of his career in software and security before getting into the space industry.  Having been through the ups and downs of smallsat communications, he set out to bring a generalized solution to the market at large.  After navigating the technological maze, and working with the FCC to eliminate all regulatory hurdles, he moved to space security.  In early 2019, he was asked to write a whitepaper on the security issues facing the industry, and that paper crystallized the community.

Christopher Wake, Business

After receiving his MBA from Oxford University, Chris built and sold a small venture around a personal pain point before moving into the space industry.  As the first hire at a successful space company, he was head of operations and responsible for every aspect thereof. He has since transitioned to investing in frontier tech companies, and now operates his own fund targeting early stage companies outside of the Bay Area.

OSA Publications

Big Risks in

Small Satellites

Commercial Space System Security Guidelines

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Full Paper

Commercial Space System Security Guidelines

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Executive Summary

Commercial Space System Security Guidelines

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Recommendations Table

Conflict Disclosures

The OSA is very serious about remaining free from conflicts of interest.  As such there is a strict policy regarding any recommendations made by the organization:

The OSA will never recommend the standardization of a security measure which is protected by IP, nor will it ever recommend a measure for which there is an effective monopoly.

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This policy does not prevent members from participating as advisors and consultants with various security companies, provided that rule is not violated.