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Space insurance has historically focused on physical loss or damage to spacecraft, alongside third-party liability cover. Today, space infrastructure is more vulnerable to cyberattacks than ever, and space tourism introduces passenger liability. This article outlines the emerging risks and how insurance responds.
The Space Economy’s Evolving Risk Landscape
The Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center reported a 118% increase in space-related cyber incidents in 2025 compared to 2024. The attack surface is growing as space and ground-based operations become more interdependent. Satellites rely on ground stations, cloud infrastructure, encrypted communications, and autonomous onboard software. A code vulnerability can have consequences as devastating as a propulsion failure.
Common attack vectors include spoofing and jamming, which can disrupt navigation and communication. Operators are also concerned about affecting ground networks and mission operations systems, potentially disrupting command-and-control.
State-sponsored activity is also on the rise. For example, the Chinese-linked Salt Typhoon campaign has targeted US telecommunications providers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, and by mid-2025, started extending its focus to satellite communications providers.
Because on-orbit remediation is limited, a successful intrusion could cause long-lasting or permanent loss of capability; the consequences of a successful attack on a space asset can be irreversible. A hacked satellite may be rendered permanently inoperable or misused for hostile purposes.
Despite the threats, many smaller space companies underinvest in cybersecurity, often prioritizing rapid development.
To better understand the threat landscape, the Deloitte-1 satellite was deployed in March 2025 to test its Silent Shield cyber intrusion detection payload in orbit. Deloitte later announced plans with Spire to build additional satellites to expand the mission.
New commercial activities also bring new risks. Crews no longer consist solely of astronauts operating under government indemnity. Civilians are becoming passengers, adding a new dimension of liability.
Is There Cyber Insurance for Satellites?
Some specialized providers cover cyber risk, and this may be included within a broader space insurance policy. Depending on the individual policy, it may address cyber vulnerabilities across pre-launch, launch, and in-orbit phases and may also respond to attacks on ground stations.
Does Insurance Cover Satellite Hacking or Jamming?
Some insurers and MGAs, like Relm Insurance, offer bespoke coverage addressing cyber and signal-interference exposures affecting satellite and ground systems, but the scope varies widely by policy wording and exclusions.
How Does Space Tourism Insurance Work?
Space tourism insurance is an emerging and highly specialized product designed to address the unique risks associated with commercial spaceflight.
Key risks include passenger safety, spacecraft malfunctions, and accidents during launch, orbital operations, or re-entry. Beyond the potential for physical harm, the presence of civilian passengers introduces additional layers of financial, reputational, and regulatory exposure for spaceflight operators. A single incident can trigger complex liability claims, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and long-term damage to public trust.
According to a recent report on the space insurance market, new human injury liability policies offering $1 million per person, along with crew evacuation clauses, are being used in up to 12 test missions.
Pricing for space tourism insurance varies based on factors like:
- Mission duration, trajectory, and distance from Earth.
- The individual’s medical background.
- The type and reliability of spacecraft.
- Crew experience.
Do Space Tourists Need Life Insurance?
Space tourists can seek life insurance policies designed for commercial spaceflight. Traditional life insurance often excludes spaceflight or classifies it as a hazardous activity, just as commercial aviation may have been seen as risky to insure in the industry’s early years. Specialized underwriting is often required to address the unique risks that come with sub-orbital and orbital travel.
In the past, space travel may not have been mentioned explicitly, but this is likely to change as commercial spaceflight becomes a reality.
Is There Insurance for Mining on the Moon or Asteroids?
Activities like resource extraction beyond Earth are advancing. No mature market yet exists to ensure these activities, but some specialized insurers offer bespoke policies addressing the distinct risk categories involved. This includes the risks associated with debris, the use of new and untested technologies, and harmful contaminants that can affect crew health.
Regulatory risk is a critical consideration, as the development of relevant rules and oversight is still lagging these emerging activities.
How Does On-orbit Servicing Affect Insurance Policies?
On-orbit service is another emerging area. Policies in this domain must account for complex operations like autonomous and crew-assisted docking, robotic repairs, in-orbit refueling, and satellite re-boosts. Each of these activities introduces elevated technical and collision risks and potential liability for damage to high-value assets.
Investment in satellite life-extension and in-space servicing technologies continues to grow. As on-orbit servicing grows, insurers may develop more repeatable approaches to underwriting these missions, although coverage is still often bespoke today.
Takeaways for Brokers and Clients
Cyberattacks against space assets are on the rise. The interconnectedness of infrastructure is increasing the attack surface. New activities like space tourism, asteroid mining, and on-orbit servicing bring new risk categories.
Many traditional satellite insurance policies aren’t usually designed to respond to risks beyond physical failure. Instead, innovative space companies should seek specialized coverage addressing the unique risk profiles their missions present.
Relm offers bespoke space insurance for companies in emerging markets. Contact us today to learn more.
