A group of hackers made headlines at the DEF CON hacking conference in Las Vegas for their unconventional exploit: taking control of a decommissioned satellite to stream talks and hacker movies. Karl Koscher, a member of the hacking enthusiasts group Shadytel, revealed the details of their unusual endeavor during a presentation at the conference.
The hackers were able to access an unused uplink facility, a small shed equipped with the necessary hardware to connect to a satellite in geostationary orbit, approximately 35,786 km or 22,236 miles above Earth’s surface. With a license to use the uplink and a lease on the satellite’s transponder, they successfully broadcasted signals to the decommissioned satellite.
In an interview with Motherboard, Koscher explained their motivation behind the project, stating, “What do you do with a satellite? What does a hacker do with a satellite? You have some fun with it.” They took advantage of the opportunity by streaming the talks from the San Diego hacking conference ToorCon and playing classic hacker movies like WarGames during the night. Additionally, they set up a channel tied to a phone conference bridge, allowing anyone to call in and have their voice broadcast to North America and beyond.
The satellite, known as Anik F1R, had reached “end of life” status in 2020 and was scheduled to be moved to the “graveyard orbit” in November 2021. With the satellite essentially abandoned during this transition period, Koscher and his group saw an opportunity to experiment with its capabilities and push the boundaries of satellite control.
By using a Hack RF, a software-defined radio that costs around $300, the hackers were able to manipulate the satellite’s transmission and gain valuable insights into satellite technology. Koscher emphasized that satellites essentially reflect any signal sent to them without authentication, making it possible for individuals with the proper equipment to control and broadcast signals through them.
Their stunt of streaming from space not only captured the attention of the hacking community but also demonstrated the potential of satellite control for other hackers. Koscher encouraged fellow enthusiasts to explore the possibilities of accessing abandoned uplink facilities or building their own to experiment with satellite communication.
Overall, the hackers’ project showcased the ingenuity and technical skills of the hacking community, highlighting the innovative ways in which technology can be repurposed for unconventional purposes. With their successful demonstration of satellite control, Koscher and his group have opened up new avenues for exploration in the realm of satellite hacking and communication.