Blog
Cybersecurity risks in space software
Why siloed software systems increase cyber risk
Modern space missions rely on a complex mix of flight software, ground systems, operations platforms and service-delivery tools. Yet many organisations still manage these components in isolation, creating fragmented environments where no single architectural framework ties everything together. This lack of a unified, end-to-end architecture doesn’t just slow down development — it creates real and growing security risks. 
When software systems are siloed, the interfaces between them often become blind spots. These gaps may be poorly documented, inconsistently secured or reliant on ad-hoc integrations built under schedule pressure.
Attackers look specifically for these seams. If they can compromise one subsystem, they may be able to exploit the lack of consistent security controls, monitoring and data governance. 
As space systems become increasingly software-defined and interconnected, the attack surface expands. More data is moving between more subsystems, yet without unified oversight, teams struggle to enforce security policies, detect anomalies or ensure that updates propagate reliably across the entire stack. 
HELIX mitigates these risks by providing a unified end-to-end architecture across mission systems. This enables consistent access control, encryption and monitoring policies to be applied across the entire software stack, strengthening resilience and reducing the likelihood of costly security incidents.Â
How HELIX strengthens mission security
HELIX addresses cybersecurity challenges by:
- Integrating systems under a cohesive architecture
- Applying consistent access control, encryption, and monitoring across the mission
- Maintaining a single, unified source of truth for software components
- Enabling automated updates and policy enforcement
By designing security into the architecture, HELIX closes gaps that attackers exploit in siloed or patchwork systems.
| Security challenge | HELIX solution |
|---|---|
| Fragmented software systems | Unified end-to-end framework |
| Inconsistent monitoring | Centralised oversight and logging |
| Manual security enforcement | Automated policy propagation |
| Expanding attack surface | Secure, model-based architecture |
Previous: Reducing time to orbit
Next: Reducing total cost of ownership with HELIX
Hub: What is HELIX? Overview
As space systems become more interconnected, security cannot be an afterthought. HELIX’s integrated architecture, consistent policies, and automated controls reduce operational risk and safeguard missions from emerging threats.
Protect your satellite missions with HELIX
Request a demo or speak to our engineering team today.