Cybersecurity Policy Report, Bipartisan Senate Bill Seeks Cyber Assistance for Satellites, (Dec 10, 2025)
Commercial satellite operators would receive federal cybersecurity assistance under bipartisan Senate legislation introduced by Sen. Gary Peters (D., Mich.), ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
The Satellite Cybersecurity Act (S.B. 3404, 119th Cong. (2025)) is co-sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn (R., Texas). It would direct the Commerce Department “to develop voluntary cybersecurity recommendations tailored to satellites,” Sen. Peters said today in a news release.
“The rise of small, affordable satellites has led to a boom in companies across many industries launching satellites into orbit. But this proliferation has created new risks: many satellites transmit sensitive data without adequate safeguards, leaving them vulnerable to interception and cyberattacks,” he explained.
“As satellites become more pervasive, hackers could shut systems down or jam signals to disrupt electric grids, water networks, transportation systems, and other critical infrastructure,” he warned.
The bill would require Commerce to work with other federal agencies to develop cybersecurity guidance for satellite operators and “create a publicly available online clearinghouse so companies can easily access best practices and information to secure their systems,” according to the news release.
“Foreign adversaries and cybercriminals continue to target cybersecurity vulnerabilities in commercial satellites, and these attacks have the potential to significantly disrupt American lives and livelihoods,” Sen. Peters said. “My bipartisan bill will enable companies and other satellite owners and operators to safeguard their systems against cybersecurity threats.”
“Satellite networks play an important role in our national security, and it’s imperative they’re protected from cyber threats and bad actors,” Sen. Cornyn said. “This bill would equip satellite owners and operators with the tools to secure their systems against disruption.”
Sens. Peters and Cornyn offered similar legislation in 2023 that cleared the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee but failed to advance further (CPR, May 17, 2023).
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