A satellite system consists of three parts, each with its own vulnerabilities:
- Space segment — the satellite itself. Hard to reach; a target for kinetic means or laser/HPM (Directed Energy Weapons).
- Ground segment — the ground stations and the TT&C link (telemetry, tracking & command) used to control the satellite. Often the weakest point of the whole.
- Link segment — the RF links between ground, satellite and user. This is where EW works most directly.
The EW specialist focuses mainly on the link and ground segments: that is where jamming and spoofing can achieve an effect without touching the satellite itself.