Ground infrastructure is the Earth-based hardware, software, networks, and operational facilities that support satellite and space missions. It includes ground stations, antennas, mission control systems, identity and access services, update paths, and the links used to command satellites and receive data. In practice, it is the part of a space system that stays on the ground but makes the orbiting part usable.
For cyber security, ground infrastructure matters because it is often the easiest path into a space program. Attackers may target remote access, supplier accounts, update mechanisms, or poorly segmented control networks to disrupt communications, alter telemetry, or interfere with mission operations. Defenders focus on strong authentication, network segmentation, supply-chain controls, logging, and resilient backups so a compromise in one component does not cascade into the spacecraft itself. In modern space operations, protecting ground infrastructure is as important as protecting the satellite.