Space cybersecurity program at the university initiates the admission of its 2nd group of students
Indiana University's Space Governance Lab Addresses Space Cybersecurity Challenges
The Space Governance Lab at Indiana University is making strides in researching and developing governance frameworks and cybersecurity practices for outer space. The Lab, established within the Ostrom Workshop, has been at the forefront of exploring policies and strategies for defending space-related digital infrastructure and managing the emerging complexities of space as a domain for human activity.
The Lab's pioneering role is evident in its first-of-its-kind professional development program on space cybersecurity, which covers an in-depth understanding of cyber threats to space systems. This program, known as Space - Cyber Governance, caters to students and professionals already working in the space sector, aiming to teach them how to respond to newly revealed risks to their space organizations.
The Lab's founding father is Professor Scott Shackelford, a globally recognized researcher whose scholarship spans cybersecurity law, internet governance, AI, and space governance. His leadership has helped the Lab gain recognition and funding for research at the intersection of space governance and cybersecurity. Prof. Shackelford is also the inaugural faculty director of Indiana University's Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk Management program.
Dr. Eytan Tepper serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Indiana University and leads the Space Governance Lab. The Lab's new flagship project, Space - Cyber Governance, was launched before the Russian invasion of Ukraine and gained more recognition and funding after the invasion.
The Kelley School of Business hosts the space cybersecurity program in collaboration with key governmental and commercial actors. The program is offered as a 10-week, online program, with the first cohort held in the fall of 2023 and the second cohort starting in the spring of 2024. Participants in the space cybersecurity program will learn to develop and implement effective strategies for managing cyber risks to space-based infrastructure.
The Space Governance Lab's initiatives reflect its commitment to combining governance, cybersecurity, and space studies. Cutting-edge topics like "Zero Trust in Zero G," which addresses cybersecurity frameworks specifically for space assets and environments, are being explored. The Lab is training America's first generation of space cybersecurity experts.
The Space Governance Lab is housed within the Ostrom Workshop, established by Nobel Laureate Elinor Ostrom. The Lab has also received further grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Microsoft. On April 1st, the Lab will host a webinar on the Anostromian approach toward Lunar Surface Sustainability.
With more than 100 students having participated in the Lab's courses and activities, the future of space governance and cybersecurity research at Indiana University Bloomington looks promising. The Lab's work underscores the importance of addressing the vulnerabilities of critical space systems and the need for security and economic considerations in space governance.
- The Space Governance Lab at Indiana University, through its research and development, is focused on managing cyber risks to space-related digital infrastructure, with a specific focus on cyber threats to space systems.
- The Lab's professional development program, Space - Cyber Governance, aims to equip students and professionals in the space sector with the skills to respond to emerging risks in their organizations.
- Professor Scott Shackelford's leadership at the Space Governance Lab has helped the Lab gain recognition and funding for its research, particularly at the intersection of space governance and cybersecurity.
- The Lab's commitment to combining governance, cybersecurity, and space studies is evident in its exploration of topics like "Zero Trust in Zero G," which addresses cybersecurity frameworks for space assets and environments.
