safemode.space
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EX-0017
ST0004Execution

Kinetic Physical Attack

Description

The adversary inflicts damage by physically striking space assets or their supporting elements, producing irreversible effects that are generally visible to space situational awareness. Kinetic attacks in orbit are commonly grouped into direct-ascent engagements, launched from Earth to intercept a target on a specific pass, and co-orbital engagements, in which an on-orbit vehicle maneuvers to collide with or detonate near the target. Outcomes include structural breakup, loss of attitude control, sensor or antenna destruction, and wholesale mission termination; secondary effects include debris creation whose persistence depends on altitude and geometry. Because launches and on-orbit collisions are measurable, these actions tend to be more attributable and offer near–real-time confirmation of effect compared to non-kinetic methods.

Mappings

EU regulation articles

  • eu-space-actArt. 86(3)
    addresses
    high
    direct

    Kinetic destruction is mitigated only through resilience — 86(3)'s redundancies and (b)'s geographical splitting into distinct locations (extended in spirit to constellation distribution) limits the per-strike impact on mission continuity.

  • eu-space-actArt. 87(2)
    addresses
    moderate
    direct

    87(2)'s response-and-recovery plans govern the operator's discipline in re-establishing mission service after kinetic loss of an asset.

  • eu-space-actArt. 87(4)
    addresses
    moderate
    direct

    Kinetic-physical-attack response (primary: Art. 87(2) BCDR) cascades to 87(4) — constellation-redundancy switchover requires trained operators able to execute under crisis conditions.

ENISA controls

  • ENISA-STL-2025-03-sD.35-i01
    addresses
    high

    Manoeuvrability is the explicit operational tactic for evading kinetic ASAT engagements via thrust-based trajectory changes.

  • ENISA-STL-2025-03-sD.35-i02
    mitigates
    high

    Defensive jamming/spoofing impairs sensors on an approaching kinetic ASAT weapon, the explicit operator-side counter to terminal-phase guidance.

  • ENISA-STL-2025-03-sD.35-i03
    mitigates
    moderate

    Deception and decoys (inflatable devices, RF decoys) confuse ASAT-weapon sensors and SDA systems, reducing successful targeting.

Cross-reference controls

  • csf-2-0PR.IR-04Adequate resource capacity to ensure availability is maintained
    addresses
    moderate

    Supported by two independent derivations that agree, neither of them SafeMode's invention. Through NIST 800-53: SafeMode's curated mapping records EX-0017 against CP-7 Alternate Processing Site, and CSF 2.0's own crosswalk names that control as an informative reference for PR.IR-04. Through SPARTA: SPARTA's catalog maps EX-0017 to countermeasure CM0075 Proliferated Constellations; CM0076 Diversified Architectures, and that countermeasure's own CSF references include PR.IR-04. Recorded as `addresses` rather than `mitigates` because a CSF subcategory states an outcome to be achieved while the underlying control states the mechanism that achieves it, which is the mechanism-versus-mandate ceiling in decisions entry 15.

  • mitre-attack-icsT0879Damage to Property
    addresses
    moderate

    T0879 'Damage to Property' addresses adversary actions causing damage and destruction of property to infrastructure, equipment, and surrounding environment; SPARTA EX-0017 'Kinetic Physical Attack' is the orbital instance — kinetic ASAT causes equivalent infrastructure damage. Cross-tactic moderate (T0879 in impact vs SPARTA EX-0017 execution); cross-domain (orbital kinetic damage vs OT-environment property damage). Notable: this is a defensible match unlike MITRE Enterprise where EX-0017 family was empty — ICS T0879 explicitly addresses physical-property damage.

  • nist-80053-rev5CP-10(6)Component Protection
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5CP-11Alternate Communications Protocols
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, nist-ir-8323r1, nist-ir-8441

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5CP-13Alternative Security Mechanisms
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, nist-ir-8323r1, nist-ir-8441, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5CP-2Contingency Plan
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, nist-ir-8323r1, nist-ir-8441, nist-ir-8270, nasa-bpg, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5CP-2(1)Coordinate with Related Plans
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5CP-2(2)Capacity Planning
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5CP-2(3)Resume Mission and Business Functions
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5CP-2(5)Continue Mission and Business Functions
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5CP-2(6)Alternate Processing and Storage Sites
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5CP-2(7)Coordinate with External Service Providers
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5CP-7Alternate Processing Site
    addresses
    moderate

    CP-7 (Alternate Processing Site) addresses ground-side resilience to kinetic attack on supporting infrastructure.

  • nist-80053-rev5PE-18Location of System Components
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, csf-2-0

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5PE-19Information Leakage
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, csf-2-0, nist-ir-8441, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5PE-20Asset Monitoring and Tracking
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, nist-ir-8323r1, csf-2-0, nist-ir-8441, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5PE-21Electromagnetic Pulse Protection
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5PE-6Monitoring Physical Access
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, nist-ir-8323r1, nist-ir-8441, nist-ir-8270, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5PE-6(1)Intrusion Alarms and Surveillance Equipment
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5PE-6(2)Automated Intrusion Recognition and Responses
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5PE-6(4)Monitoring Physical Access to Systems
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5PE-9Power Equipment and Cabling
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, nist-ir-8323r1, nist-ir-8441

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5PM-16Threat Awareness Program
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, nist-ir-8323r1, csf-2-0, nist-ir-8441, nist-ir-8270, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5PM-16(1)Automated Means for Sharing Threat Intelligence
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5RA-10Threat Hunting
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, csf-2-0, nist-ir-8441, nist-ir-8270, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5RA-3Risk Assessment
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, nist-ir-8323r1, nist-ir-8441, nist-ir-8270, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5RA-3(2)Use of All-source Intelligence
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5RA-3(3)Dynamic Threat Awareness
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5RA-6Technical Surveillance Countermeasures Survey
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, nist-ir-8441, nist-ir-8270, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5SA-3System Development Life Cycle
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, nist-ir-8323r1, nist-ir-8441, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5SA-8Security and Privacy Engineering Principles
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, nist-ir-8323r1, nist-ir-8441, nasa-bpg, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5SC-26Decoys
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5SC-30Concealment and Misdirection
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5SC-30(5)Concealment of System Components
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5SC-40Wireless Link Protection
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, csf-2-0, nasa-bpg, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5SC-5Denial-of-service Protection
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, nist-ir-8401, nist-ir-8323r1, nist-ir-8441, nist-ir-8270, nasa-bpg, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5SC-5(3)Detection and Monitoring
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5SI-4(14)Wireless Intrusion Detection
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5SI-4(17)Integrated Situational Awareness
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5SI-4(24)Indicators of Compromise
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • nist-80053-rev5SR-8Notification Agreements
    relates to
    moderate

    Referenced in: sparta-data, aerospace-tor-2023-02161

    Mapped by SPARTA, not curated by SafeMode Space.

  • space-shieldT2028.007Intentional collision with other satellites
    addresses
    high

    T2028.007 'Intentional collision with other satellites' covers the co-orbital subset of kinetic physical attacks — direct match to EX-0017's co-orbital scope.

  • space-shieldT2028.012Kinetic attacks
    addresses
    high

    T2028.012 'Kinetic attacks' explicitly covers ASAT missiles and kinetic energy threats from ground or plane — direct match to EX-0017 Kinetic Physical Attack parent.

SPARTA countermeasures

Cite as SafeMode Space, EX-0017 (SPARTA v3.2).

Built 2026-07-25 from 216 techniques, 334 regulation articles, 125 ENISA controls, 2,610 framework controls, and 90 countermeasures.