Reverse Engineering Satellite Communications (Angelina Tsuboi (G4LXY))

Satellite RE mindset

Angelina Tsuboi outlines reverse engineering satellite communications as RF analysis plus packet dissection rather than traditional disassembler-first workflows. Targets include telemetry, remote sensing imagery, weather data, and telecom traffic intercepted from orbit-linked transmissions.

Methodology

A typical workflow starts with open-source intelligence on the target satellite, then protocol analysis (CCSDS and proprietary schemes), firmware fuzzing of onboard computers and bus systems, and vulnerability identification. Orbital mechanics matter because pass windows limit when ground communication is possible.

Recon sources

Researchers gather antenna bands, uplink/downlink frequencies, bus architectures, mission purpose, and subsystem components from datasheets and sites like N2YO, SatNOGS, and SatBeams. Mission type often hints at packet formats and command structures.

RF foundations

She reviews transceivers, modulators/demodulators, amplifiers, up/down converters, and encoders/decoders. Satellite services occupy radio-to-microwave spectrum bands (L through Ka) allocated by application. SACOM-style architectures separate ground, space, and user segments with uplink telecommands and downlink telemetry/imagery flows.