America's Space Dominance Faces Existential Cyber Threat From China

America's dominance in space, once unchallenged, now faces an invisible but relentless enemy: cyberattacks. From satellites guiding our military to commercial systems powering daily life, the digital arteries of our space infrastructure are under siege. John Garstka, a senior Defense Department expert, laid bare this reality at the Space Force’s Cyber Expo 2025, warning that adversaries like China are exploiting vulnerabilities in our space systems and the defense industrial base with alarming precision. The stakes couldn’t be higher. A single breach could cripple military operations, disrupt communications, or plunge critical infrastructure into chaos.

This isn’t science fiction. It’s a clear and present danger. Garstka, speaking from the Pentagon, described cyberspace as the fifth warfighting domain, as vital as air, land, sea, or space itself. Yet, unlike a missile strike, a cyberattack can strike silently, paralyzing systems before anyone notices. The Department of Defense’s wargaming has exposed the devastating potential of these threats, revealing gaps in our preparedness that demand urgent action. America’s enemies know this and are moving fast to exploit it.

The Biden administration’s policies, often mired in bureaucratic overreach and underfunded priorities, left our cyber defenses lagging. Now, with President Trump back in office, there’s a chance to restore strength and focus. His administration’s commitment to national security, rooted in decisive action, offers hope for bolstering our cyber fortifications. But hope alone won’t cut it. We need bold, immediate steps to protect the systems that keep America safe and prosperous.

Garstka’s warnings zero in on a critical target: the defense industrial base, the backbone of America’s military might. Comprising over 160,000 companies, this network builds everything from fighter jets to satellite components. But it’s under relentless attack. Cybercriminals, often backed by hostile states like China, have turned production lines into battlegrounds. A single breach can halt manufacturing, delay missions, or leak sensitive designs to adversaries. Garstka stressed that protecting these companies is as crucial as safeguarding the satellites themselves.

Recent data paints a grim picture. Since 2018, cyberattacks on the aerospace and defense sector have surged by 300%, with 80% of firms hit by breaches in the past year alone. The average cost of a data breach now tops $5.46 million, but the real damage is strategic: stolen intellectual property, disrupted supply chains, and weakened national defense. Small businesses, which make up 70% of the base, are especially vulnerable, often lacking the resources to meet new standards like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification set to take effect this year.

Advocates for deregulation argue that piling on mandates like these burdens small firms without guaranteeing security. They’re not wrong to question red tape, but the answer isn’t to weaken standards. It’s to empower these companies with federal support, streamlined compliance, and shared intelligence. The Trump administration’s focus on cutting bureaucratic fat while strengthening defense could strike the right balance, ensuring our industrial base isn’t left defenseless.

Space systems don’t operate in a vacuum. They rely on ground-based infrastructure—power grids, water systems, fuel supplies—that’s just as vulnerable to attack. Garstka put it bluntly: if you cut the power, a satellite becomes a glorified paperweight. This isn’t hypothetical. Nation-state actors, notably China’s Volt Typhoon campaign, have already infiltrated U.S. critical infrastructure, pre-positioning malware for future disruptions. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has flagged these threats as a top strategic risk, warning of a potential ‘cyber 9/11.’

Historical failures underscore the urgency. The 2010 Stuxnet attack on Iran’s nuclear program showed how cyberattacks can cause physical damage, while Russia’s 2015 and 2016 assaults on Ukraine’s power grid left thousands in the dark. Today, 62% of U.S. and UK critical infrastructure operators report attacks, with 57% facing operational disruptions. The integration of IT and operational technology, coupled with the spread of IoT devices, has created a sprawling attack surface that our enemies exploit with ruthless efficiency.

Some policymakers push for globalist solutions, leaning on international frameworks to secure infrastructure. But relying on foreign partners, many with their own agendas, risks diluting America’s sovereignty and security. A better path is self-reliance: hardening our systems, investing in AI-driven defenses, and fostering public-private partnerships that prioritize American interests. The Trump administration’s America First approach aligns perfectly with this vision, emphasizing strength at home over entanglement abroad.

Garstka’s remarks at the Cyber Expo weren’t just a warning—they were a blueprint. He called for holistic risk assessments that cover the entire lifecycle of space systems, from design to decommissioning. He urged stronger collaboration with industry, ensuring companies have the requirements and funding to build secure, next-generation systems. Above all, he emphasized motivation: the drive to act decisively despite financial and technical challenges. This is where leadership matters. America needs policymakers who prioritize defense over distractions, who see cybersecurity as a non-negotiable pillar of national strength.

The Department of Defense’s 2023 Cyber Strategy offers a roadmap, stressing integrated deterrence and persistent engagement with adversaries. It names China as the primary threat, citing its campaigns of espionage and infrastructure compromise. Russia, Iran, and North Korea aren’t far behind, each probing for weaknesses. The strategy’s focus on zero trust architectures, AI-driven threat detection, and public-private collaboration is sound, but it needs funding and execution. President Trump’s track record of cutting through red tape and rallying resources could turn these plans into reality.

Opponents might argue that the cost of these measures is too high, or that diplomacy can deter cyber aggression. But history shows that appeasement invites attack. From the SolarWinds breach to the ViaSat disruption in Ukraine, adversaries strike when they sense weakness. America can’t afford to wait for the next crisis. We must act now, fortifying our space systems, empowering our defense industrial base, and securing the infrastructure that underpins it all.

The cyber threats facing America’s space systems and critical infrastructure are not abstract—they’re real, growing, and aimed at the heart of our national security. John Garstka’s warnings at the Cyber Expo 2025 should galvanize every patriot. From the defense industrial base to the power grids that keep our satellites aloft, our enemies are probing for weaknesses. If we fail to act, the consequences could be catastrophic: disrupted military operations, crippled infrastructure, and a weakened nation.

President Trump’s leadership offers a chance to reverse years of neglect and build a cyber defense that matches America’s strength. By investing in resilient systems, empowering industry, and prioritizing national interests, we can protect our space assets and secure our future. The time for half-measures is over. America must rise to this challenge with the resolve that has always defined our greatness.