Space as Part of Critical Infrastructure: We Depend on Satellites Far More Than We Realize

At first glance, this may seem like an area far removed from everyday life. In reality, however, space technologies form an invisible infrastructure without which modern society would function only in a very limited way. Today, satellite systems provide navigation, telecommunications, precise timekeeping, weather monitoring, traffic management, crisis management and the operation of many security systems.

This is also why Space is included among the critical infrastructure sectors under Act No. 367/2024 Coll. on Critical Infrastructure.

What does the Space sector include?

Unlike most other critical infrastructure sectors, this sector is rather specific. The Act does not define any subsectors within it. Critical entities are operators of ground-based infrastructure owned, managed or operated by Member States or private entities that contribute to the provision of space-based services. Providers of public electronic communications networks under a separate regulation are exempt.

The essential services in this sector are services managed and operated by the Slovak Republic or owned by a legal entity contributing to the provision of space-based services.

This therefore concerns not only satellites themselves in orbit. Equally important is the infrastructure on Earth — control centres, ground stations, communication systems and technologies for processing satellite data. These are precisely what ensure that space-based services are reliable and available to all their users.

The importance of this sector is also confirmed by the fact that the Slovak Republic has been an associate member of the European Space Agency (ESA) since 2022. This partnership opens up opportunities for Slovak universities, research organisations and technology companies to participate in international projects focused on the development of space technologies, satellite applications and secure communication systems.

Which organisations may this sector concern?

In Slovakia, this concerns a relatively narrow group of entities, but their importance extends far beyond the space sector itself.

These may include, for example, organisations that:

• operate satellite ground stations and control centres,
• ensure communication with satellites,
• process satellite data,
• provide Earth observation services,
• provide positioning, navigation and precise timing services,
• develop technologies used in space systems,
• participate in European space programmes such as Galileo, Copernicus or GOVSATCOM.

Their services are used by practically all other critical infrastructure sectors — energy, transport, healthcare, the financial sector, digital infrastructure and state security forces.

Why is this sector so important?

Space-based services have become an integral part of the functioning of the state and the economy. Their importance goes far beyond navigation in mobile phones or cars.

Today, satellite systems provide:

• navigation for vehicles, aircraft and ships,
• synchronisation of telecommunications and energy networks,
• time synchronisation of financial transactions,
• monitoring of extreme weather events,
• management of rescue operations and crisis situations,
• monitoring of fires, floods and droughts,
• environmental monitoring,
• support for national defence and security.

A lesser-known fact is that one of the most important roles of satellite systems is the provision of extremely precise time. Without it, payment systems, data centres, power grids and modern telecommunications networks would not function reliably.

What risks threaten space infrastructure?

As the importance of space technologies grows, so do the risks associated with their operation.

The most significant include:

• cyberattacks on ground control centres,
• jamming or spoofing of satellite navigation signals,
• physical damage to ground infrastructure,
• dependence on foreign technologies and supply chains,
• the growing amount of space debris,
• geopolitical conflicts affecting the availability of space-based services.

A specific feature of this sector is that even a local incident can, through internationally interconnected systems, have an impact on the functioning of several states or several critical infrastructure sectors at the same time. Protecting space infrastructure is therefore an inseparable part of building the resilience of society as a whole.

The central authority is the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic

According to the Act on Critical Infrastructure, the central state administration authority for the Space sector is the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic.

The Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic, the aim of which is to support expert cooperation, the exchange of experience and the strengthening of critical infrastructure resilience in Slovakia. Joint activities also create space for addressing new security challenges associated with the development of space technologies and their protection.

Slovak companies also contribute to the security of space technologies

Although the space sector is often associated primarily with major global space agencies, Slovak companies also have their place in it.

This is demonstrated by member companies of the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic, Decent Cybersecurity and FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services, which cooperate on research and development projects focused on secure communication in space.

Their joint research focuses on the development of technologies for secure voice communication between control centres, satellites and spacecraft crews. This is an area that, until recently, was the preserve of the world’s largest space agencies.

At the same time, the advent of quantum computers is creating a need to develop new cryptographic solutions resistant to future methods of breaking today’s encryption algorithms. Thanks also to the activities of these two members of the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic, Slovakia is joining the ranks of countries preparing for the quantum era of secure space communication.

The future of critical infrastructure also begins in space

Space has long ceased to be merely a domain of scientific research. It has become an integral part of the functioning of modern states and economies. Transport, energy, the financial sector, defence, crisis management and many other areas of everyday life depend on the reliability of space-based services.

Although, in terms of the number of entities, the Space sector is one of the smaller critical infrastructure sectors in Slovakia, its strategic importance will continue to grow in the coming years. Building its resilience, supporting innovation and developing cooperation between the state, research organisations and the private sector therefore represent an important investment in the secure future of the Slovak Republic.

How can the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic help?

The development of space technologies brings new legislative, technical and security requirements. The Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic therefore creates a platform for connecting state administration, academia and the private sector with the aim of strengthening the resilience of critical entities. It monitors new trends in space security, supply chain protection and post-quantum cybersecurity, and provides its members with an expert platform for sharing information on current security risks, upcoming legislation and best practices.

Did you know that…?

• 🛰️ There are currently more than 11,000 active satellites in Earth orbit, providing services used by states, businesses and billions of people around the world.
• ⏱️ Navigation satellite systems do not provide only positioning information. They also provide extremely precise time, without which bank transfers, energy networks and mobile communications would not function reliably.
• 🌍 The Copernicus programme is among the largest Earth observation programmes in the world. Its satellite data is used to monitor floods, forest fires, droughts, air quality and other crisis situations.
• 📈 Experts estimate that a significant part of the global economy is now directly or indirectly dependent on data and services provided from space, making space infrastructure one of the most important components of the functioning of modern society.