Independent or third-party assessments benefit space platforms, as they apply objective scrutiny to designs that must endure radiation, microgravity, and sophisticated adversarial threats. The evaluation can target ground support systems and on-board functions, verifying that key security controls, like cryptographic processes or firmware update paths, hold under realistic stress conditions. By including unbiased reviewers, mission teams avoid the “blind spots” that can arise from relying exclusively on internal development teams. This fosters greater confidence that vulnerabilities will be discovered and remediated before the costly and irreversible launch step.
The [organization] shall conduct control assessments of the information system using independent assessors.{CA-2(1)}
Independent assessors shall be individuals or entities external to the operational chain of command and not involved in the development, implementation, or operations of the system under assessment.
The [organization] shall establish and maintain processes to manage and oversee independent assessors, including their qualifications, roles, and responsibilities.{CA-2(1),CA-7(1)}
Independent assessors shall be individuals or entities external to the operational chain of command and not involved in the development, implementation, or operations of the system under assessment.