Commercial Space Technologies Exposed: 7 Shocking Risks of Hybrid Warfare You Must Know Now

The rise of hybrid warfare has transformed commercial space technologies—like satellite internet and geospatial data—into tools for both innovation and conflict. Grey zone actors, from insurgent groups to state-sponsored proxies, exploit these assets for propaganda, cyberattacks, and tactical gains, as seen in Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink and ISIS’s use of satellite imagery. Regulatory frameworks, however, remain outdated, struggling to address vulnerabilities such as dual-use technologies and lax user vetting.

India, a growing space power, faces dual challenges: securing its 104 satellites and private sector ventures while advocating for global norms through initiatives like PAROS. Experts stress the need for domestic safeguards, including cybersecurity mandates and intelligence-sharing, alongside international coalitions to enforce rules against weaponizing commercial tech. Solutions hinge on public-private collaboration, AI-driven monitoring, and updated treaties to protect orbital infrastructure.

As space becomes a contested domain, balancing security with innovation demands urgent, coordinated action—a choice between safeguarding humanity’s shared orbital commons or risking destabilization in this critical frontier.

Commercial Space Technologies Exposed: 7 Shocking Risks of Hybrid Warfare You Must Know Now

The convergence of commercial space technologies and hybrid warfare has ushered in a complex era where satellites, geospatial data, and communication networks are not just tools for innovation but also instruments of conflict. As nations and non-state actors alike exploit the accessibility of space assets, the line between civilian infrastructure and military advantage blurs, raising urgent questions about security, regulation, and global governance.  

The Evolution of Space Tech in Modern Warfare 

The militarization of space technology gained prominence during the 1990 Gulf War, where GPS and satellite imagery revolutionized battlefield coordination. Over decades, conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine further demonstrated how space-based systems enhance surveillance, communication, and precision strikes. However, the advent of hybrid warfare—a blend of conventional tactics, cyber operations, and psychological campaigns—has transformed commercial space assets into contested domains.  

Grey zone actors—non-state groups, proxy forces, and insurgents—now leverage commercially available satellite services to amplify their reach. For instance, during the Russia-Ukraine war, Starlink’s internet terminals became lifelines for Ukrainian forces, while reports suggest proxy groups in West Asia and Africa have exploited subscription-based geospatial data for tactical gains. A pivotal moment occurred in the late 2000s when a grey zone entity hijacked a communication satellite to broadcast propaganda, signaling vulnerabilities in space infrastructure.  

The Grey Zone Threat: Exploiting the Commercial Space Boom 

Commercial satellites, once niche assets, are now critical infrastructure. Companies like SpaceX, Planet Labs, and OneWeb operate constellations providing internet, imaging, and navigation services. Yet, this democratization of space tech has unintended consequences:  

• Propaganda and Cyber Attacks: Hackers have targeted satellite networks to disrupt communications or spread disinformation. In 2022, a ransomware attack on a satellite operator disrupted weather and agricultural monitoring across Europe.  

• Tactical Exploitation: Non-state actors in conflict zones use affordable satellite imagery to monitor troop movements or plan attacks. ISIS’s historical use of social media and encrypted apps, paired with geospatial data, underscores this trend.  

• Ransom Risks: With satellites essential for industries like shipping and energy, the prospect of criminal groups holding these assets hostage for ransom looms large. 

Regulatory Gaps and the Challenge of Governance 

Current international frameworks, such as the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, lack provisions to address hybrid warfare or commercial sector accountability. Regulatory gaps include:  

• Weak Oversight: Commercial operators often lack mandates to vet users, allowing grey zone actors to access services anonymously.  

• Dual-Use Dilemmas: Technologies like high-resolution imaging or satellite internet can serve both civilian and military purposes, complicating export controls.  

• Jurisdictional Conflicts: Space assets operate globally, but national laws vary, creating enforcement loopholes. 

Efforts to update regulations, such as the EU’s proposed Space Traffic Management framework, remain nascent. Meanwhile, companies like SpaceX implement voluntary safeguards, such as geofencing Starlink terminals in conflict zones—a measure that highlights the need for standardized protocols.  

India’s Strategic Imperatives 

As a rising space power with 104 satellites in orbit and a burgeoning private sector, India faces dual challenges: securing its assets and shaping global norms. Key considerations include:  

1. Domestic Safeguards: India’s 2023 Space Policy encourages private participation but lacks stringent security guidelines. Experts like Chaitanya Giri (ORF) argue for robust cybersecurity mandates and collaboration between ISRO and the private sector.  

1. Diplomatic Leadership: India advocates for a “rules-based order” in space, as seen in its push for the UN’s Prevention of an Arms Race in Space (PAROS) initiative. J. Jegannathan (JNU) suggests leveraging forums like the Quad to establish norms against weaponizing commercial tech.  

1. Intelligence and Defense: Monitoring grey zone activities requires advanced space situational awareness (SSA). Projects like NETRA, an early-warning system for space debris, could expand to track hostile actors. 

The Path Forward: Collaboration and Innovation 

Addressing hybrid threats in space demands a multi-pronged approach:  

• Public-Private Partnerships: Companies must share threat intelligence with governments while balancing user privacy.  

• Global Coalitions: Initiatives like the Artemis Accords could incorporate security clauses to deter misuse of commercial tech.  

• Technological Solutions: AI-driven monitoring to detect anomalous satellite usage and blockchain for secure data sharing are emerging countermeasures. 

Conclusion 

The age of hybrid warfare has turned space into a battlefield where algorithms and satellites are as consequential as missiles. For India, protecting its space assets while fostering innovation requires harmonizing national security with global diplomacy. As grey zone threats evolve, the world must choose between a fragmented space arena and a cooperative framework that safeguards humanity’s shared orbital commons. The ORF dialogue underscores a stark reality: in space, vigilance and collaboration are not just strategic choices—they are existential necessities.