# AFRL Explores STAR-FISH Satellite Development

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate is considering STAR-FISH, an effort to research, design, develop, test, and demonstrate a secure-by-design satellite system intended to address cyber threats to critical space missions. The effort could create future work for contractors with satellite cybersecurity and secure space-vehicle expertise, but the signal provides no solicitation, funding, or schedule details.

- The contemplated scope spans secure satellite design, software and hardware development, testing, and demonstration—capabilities relevant to defense contractors serving space programs.
- Companies can assess how their existing cybersecurity and space-vehicle development capabilities align with this potential effort; the signal does not establish an open solicitation or a procurement timeline.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Cybersecurity
**Published:** October 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL)
- United States Air Force (USAF)

### Sources
- [STAR-FISH Effort Seeks 'Secure By Design' Satellite - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/star-fish-effort-seeks-secure-by-design-satellite/space) - Defense Daily