Overview of Security Issues and Defense Technologies for Low Earth Orbit Satellite Network

DU Xingkui; SHU Nina; LIU Chunsheng; YANG Fang; MA Tao; LIU Yang

doi:10.11999/JEIT240957

Volume 47 Issue 6

Jun. 2025

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DU Xingkui, SHU Nina, LIU Chunsheng, YANG Fang, MA Tao, LIU Yang. Overview of Security Issues and Defense Technologies for Low Earth Orbit Satellite Network[J]. Journal of Electronics & Information Technology, 2025, 47(6): 1609-1622. doi: 10.11999/JEIT240957

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DU Xingkui, SHU Nina, LIU Chunsheng, YANG Fang, MA Tao, LIU Yang. Overview of Security Issues and Defense Technologies for Low Earth Orbit Satellite Network[J]. Journal of Electronics & Information Technology, 2025, 47(6): 1609-1622. doi: 10.11999/JEIT240957

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Overview of Security Issues and Defense Technologies for Low Earth Orbit Satellite Network

doi: 10.11999/JEIT240957 cstr: 32379.14.JEIT240957

DU Xingkui¹,
SHU Nina¹,
LIU Chunsheng^{1, 2
,
,},
YANG Fang¹,
MA Tao¹,
LIU Yang³

1.
College of Electronic Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Hefei 230037, China
2.
Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei 230037, China
3.
Beijing Institute of Remote Sensing Information, Beijing 100011, China

Funds: The High-level Talent Fund (22-TDRCJH-02-013, 2024-JCJQ-QT-039)

Received Date: 2024-10-28
Rev Recd Date: 2025-04-17

Available Online: 2025-05-21

Publish Date: 2025-06-30

Abstract

Abstract

Significance In recent years, Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks have experienced rapid development, demonstrating broad application prospects in mobile communications, the Internet of Things (IoT), maritime operations, and other domains. These networks are poised to become a critical component of next-generation network architectures. Currently, leading global and domestic commercial entities are actively deploying mega-constellations to enable worldwide mobile communication and broadband internet services. However, as the scale of LEO constellations expands, the satellite networks are increasingly exposed to both anthropogenic threats (e.g., cyberattacks) and environmental hazards (e.g., space debris). Existing review studies have systematically summarized research on security threats and defense mechanisms across the physical, network, and application layers of LEO satellite networks. Nevertheless, gaps remain in prior literature: First, lack of technical granularity. Many studies provide taxonomies of security issues but fail to focus sufficiently on domain-specific cybersecurity challenges or delve into technical details. Second, overemphasis on integrated space-terrestrial networks. Existing reviews often prioritize the broader context of space-air-ground-sea integrated networks, obscuring the unique vulnerabilities inherent to LEO satellite architectures. Third, imbalanced layer-specific analysis: Current works predominantly address physical and link-layer security, while insufficiently highlighting the distinct characteristics of network-layer threats. Building upon prior research, this paper presents a comprehensive review of security challenges and defense technologies in LEO satellite networks. By analyzing the inherent vulnerabilities of these systems, we provide an in-depth exploration of security threats, particularly those targeting network-layer integrity. Furthermore, we critically evaluate cutting-edge defense mechanisms developed to mitigate realistic threats, offering insights into their technical principles and implementation challenges. Progress This paper first elaborates on the architecture of LEO satellite networks, systematically analyzing the composition and functional roles of three core components: the space segment, ground segment, and user segment. It then summarizes the operational characteristics of LEO networks, including their dynamic multi-layer topology, globally ubiquitous coverage, low-latency data transmission, and resilient resource allocation mechanisms. These intrinsic characteristics fundamentally enable LEO networks to deliver high-quality communication services. Subsequently, this study identifies potential vulnerabilities across four dimensions: nodes, links, protocols, and infrastructure. Due to the open nature of satellite links, transmitted data are susceptible to eavesdropping, where adversaries may intercept satellite signals, predict orbital dynamics, and deploy surveillance systems preemptively. Prior research has addressed satellite communication security through physical-layer security designs and scenario-specific eavesdropping analyses. Through theoretical modeling and case studies, this work categorizes multiple Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack variants and explores routing attack risks inherent to the open architecture of LEO networks. Furthermore, it classifies electronic countermeasure interference types based on target scenarios and adversarial objectives. To counter these threats, the paper evaluates emerging defense technologies, including encryption-based security frameworks, resilient routing protocols, and digital twin-enabled virtualization platforms for network simulation and secure design optimization. Finally, it highlights cutting-edge AI-driven security solutions, such as machine learning-powered anomaly detection and federated learning for distributed threat intelligence. Conclusions This review critically examines the evolution of LEO satellite networks, identifying critical gaps in systematic analysis and comprehensive threat coverage within existing studies. By establishing a four-dimensional vulnerability framework—node vulnerabilities arising from harsh space environmental conditions, link vulnerabilities exacerbated by high orbital dynamics, protocol vulnerabilities stemming from commercial standardization compromises, and infrastructure vulnerabilities due to tight coupling with terrestrial internet systems—the study systematically classifies security threats across physical, network, and application layers. The paper further dissects attack methodologies unique to each threat category and evaluates advanced countermeasures. Notable innovations include quantum cryptography-enhanced encryption systems, fault-tolerant routing algorithms, virtualized network emulation environments, and AI-empowered security paradigms leveraging deep learning and federated learning architectures. These technologies not only significantly enhance the security posture of LEO networks but also demonstrate transformative potential for future adaptive security frameworks. However, challenges persist in balancing computational overhead with real-time operational constraints, necessitating further research into lightweight cryptographic primitives and cross-domain collaborative defense mechanisms. This synthesis provides a foundational reference for advancing next-generation satellite network security while underscoring the imperative for interdisciplinary innovation in space-terrestrial converged systems. Prospects Looking ahead, research on the security of LEO satellite networks will constitute a long-term and complex process. With the integration of emerging technologies such as quantum communication and artificial intelligence, security defense mechanisms in LEO satellite networks will evolve toward greater intelligence and automation. Emerging technologies are anticipated to play increasingly critical roles in this domain, particularly through advancements in adaptive intelligent networking technologies and intelligent networking protocol architectures. These developments will support the efficient convergence of space-air-ground-sea integrated networks. The application of deep learning methodologies to analyze network characteristics and construct corresponding neural network models will further enhance network adaptability and coordination. Concurrently, as commercial deployment of LEO satellite networks accelerates, the critical challenge of balancing security requirements with economic efficiency warrants in-depth investigation. Future research should prioritize cost-benefit analyses and explore optimal trade-offs between cybersecurity and service efficiency across diverse application scenarios. Furthermore, international collaboration is expected to assume a pivotal role in the security governance of LEO satellite networks, particularly through jointly establishing international standards and regulatory frameworks to address transnational security threats. This multilateral approach will be essential for maintaining the integrity and resilience of next-generation satellite infrastructures in an increasingly interconnected orbital environment.
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks,
- Network security,
- Defensive strategies,
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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References(54)

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