House lawmakers propose cybersecurity rules in NASA spacecraft contracts

TLDR:

• Reps. Frost and Beyer propose Spacecraft Cybersecurity Act to incorporate cybersecurity requirements into NASA spacecraft manufacturing contracts.
• The proposal aims to protect NASA’s space missions from cyber attacks and enhance national security.

House lawmakers Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost and Rep. Don Beyer have introduced the Spacecraft Cybersecurity Act, a legislative measure that would mandate manufacturers building spacecraft for NASA to implement cybersecurity protections. The proposed act requires NASA to revise its spacecraft acquisition standards to include cybersecurity requirements within 270 days of the bill’s enactment. This legislation comes in response to cyber attacks targeting NASA and aims to safeguard space missions and protect sensitive information related to vital space infrastructure. Rep. Frost emphasized the importance of incorporating cybersecurity measures into NASA’s acquisition process, highlighting the significance of maintaining the country’s leadership in space exploration. Rep. Beyer echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the need for comprehensive cybersecurity measures to secure the continuity of space operations and protect national security interests.