Space is essential for infrastructure. Why isn’t it considered critical?

This report analyzes the ongoing U.S. policy debate over designating space systems as a critical infrastructure sector during the rewrite of PPD-21, detailing potential benefits (clear SRMA responsibility, improved information sharing, and diffusion of cyber best practices) and concerns (limited regulatory impact, resource burdens, and agency fit, particularly around NASA). It reviews conflicting stakeholder perspectives, references recent cyber threats to space assets, and notes related federal initiatives by CISA, ONCD, NIST, and the National Space Council to develop and harmonize cybersecurity standards for space systems.