In 2023, our visitors exhibited a fascination with contrasting themes. On one hand, the narratives surrounding Russia's satellite jamming signal operations in Ukraine and the global challenges faced by 5G technology garnered considerable attention. On the other hand, readers displayed a distinct eagerness to delve into the latest advancements in the field. They were particularly intrigued by the groundbreaking data rate records being shattered and the innovative methods employed to ensure the security of identities and authentications.
Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine has, over its nearly two-year course, has revealed a lot about the current state of electronic warfare. In early 2023, it became clear that one new branch of electronic warfare was the cell phone jamming of low Earth orbit (LEO) communications satellites. These satellites—typically CubeSats, and orbiting 2,000 kilometers or lower—have brought new challenges to satellite jamming compared to their bus-sized geostationary brethren.
One of the primary characteristics of LEO satellite constellations is their frequent handover of signals to the subsequent satellite as it emerges over the horizon. These handovers take place approximately every 7 to 10 minutes, providing an opportunity for jammers to disrupt the signal. Additionally, LEO satellites typically have limited space, computing capabilities, and power for implementing security measures compared to larger satellites. Furthermore, many of these satellites rely on off-the-shelf components that may introduce additional vulnerabilities.