CMMC 2.0 Compliance: A Critical Guide for Space Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers in the Defense Industrial Base

Space vehicle and parts manufacturers represent a critical segment of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), producing sophisticated systems including launch vehicles, satellites, missile defense systems, and specialized components. As the Department of Defense (DoD) implements the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, these manufacturers face unique compliance challenges that directly impact national security and space defense capabilities.

The stakes for space vehicle manufacturers are exceptionally high. Their operations involve highly sensitive technical data, from propulsion system designs and satellite communication protocols to missile defense algorithms and classified space technologies. The industry handles substantial amounts of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) across complex development and manufacturing processes. A security breach could not only compromise current space defense capabilities but also reveal critical technological advantages in space operations and missile defense systems.

CMMC 2.0 Overview and Implications for Space Vehicle Manufacturers

CMMC 2.0’s streamlined approach to cybersecurity presents specific challenges for the space vehicle sector. While the framework has been simplified from five levels to three, the requirements remain rigorous, particularly for organizations developing sophisticated space and missile defense systems. For space vehicle manufacturers, noncompliance means more than lost contracts – it risks compromising national security capabilities in space.

The certification process impacts every aspect of space vehicle manufacturing operations. Companies must ensure compliance across research and development facilities, testing laboratories, and production environments, while protecting sensitive data throughout the system lifecycle. Most space vehicle manufacturers will require Level 2 certification, demanding third-party assessment and implementation of 110 security practices across their operations.

CMMC 2.0 Framework: Domains and Requirements

The CMMC 2.0 framework is structured around 14 domains, each with specific requirements that defense contractors must meet in order to demonstrate CMMC compliance.

DIB contractors would be well advised to explore each domain in detail, understand their requirements, and consider our best practice strategies for compliance: Access Control, Awareness and Training, Audit and Accountability, Configuration Management, Identification & Authentication, Incident Response, Maintenance, Media Protection, Personnel Security, Physical Protection, Risk Assessment, Security Assessment, System & Communications Protection, and System and Information Integrity.

Special Considerations for Space Vehicle Manufacturers

The space vehicle industry’s unique environment demands special attention to several key areas under CMMC 2.0. Advanced propulsion and guidance systems require extraordinary protection, as they contain sophisticated technologies critical to national security. These systems must remain secure while enabling necessary collaboration among international space programs and defense partners.

Supply chain security presents particular challenges in space vehicle manufacturing. Companies must verify the integrity of highly specialized components while protecting proprietary technologies and classified capabilities. This includes managing security across global supply chains while preventing the introduction of compromised components that could jeopardize mission success.

Testing and validation processes create additional security considerations. Manufacturers must protect not only the physical systems but also the extensive test data that could reveal capabilities or vulnerabilities. This includes securing test facilities, protecting simulation data, and maintaining strict control over performance metrics that could expose system capabilities.

The CMMC certification process is arduous but our CMMC 2.0 compliance roadmap can help.

The integration of advanced software systems adds another layer of complexity. Manufacturers must secure development environments while enabling necessary coordination between software teams and hardware integration. This includes protecting flight control systems, communication protocols, and critical defense algorithms that form the backbone of space operations.

Need to comply with CMMC? Here is your complete CMMC compliance checklist.

Best Practices for CMMC Compliance in Space Vehicle Manufacturing

For space vehicle manufacturers in the DIB, achieving CMMC compliance requires a sophisticated approach that addresses both traditional aerospace security requirements and emerging space-based threats. The following best practices provide a framework for protecting sensitive space technologies while maintaining efficient development and production processes. These practices are specifically designed to help manufacturers secure their intellectual property, protect development environments, and ensure the integrity of space and missile defense systems throughout their lifecycle.

Secure Design and Engineering Systems

Ensure comprehensive security controls are in place for all space vehicle design and engineering activities. This requires establishing isolated development environments for propulsion systems, guidance technologies, and mission-critical software. The system should implement multiple security layers for classified projects, with continuous monitoring of all design changes and access attempts. Maintain detailed audit trails of all engineering activities, with specific controls for protecting simulation data and performance specifications.

Protect Testing Operations

Implement dedicated security measures for all testing and validation processes. This includes establishing secure facilities for hardware testing, implementing strict controls over test data collection, and maintaining comprehensive logs of all test activities. The system must include specific controls for protecting performance metrics that could reveal system capabilities or limitations. Establish secure procedures for sharing test results with military stakeholders, with systematic protection of all test data and analysis.

Manage Supply Chain Security

Emplace comprehensive security measures for component sourcing and verification. This includes establishing secure systems for validating specialized space-grade components, implementing rigorous testing for all incoming materials, and maintaining detailed tracking throughout the supply chain. The system should include specific controls for verifying both hardware and software components, with particular attention to items affecting mission-critical systems. Use secure communication channels with suppliers, maintaining strict control over technical specifications and performance requirements.

Control Production Environments

Integrate security controls across all production facilities. This includes deploying strict access controls for areas handling flight hardware, maintaining secure configurations for all manufacturing and integration systems, and establishing detailed audit trails of assembly activities. The system must include specific controls for classified components, with separate security zones for different levels of sensitive work. Continuously monitor all production and integration activities, with automated alerts for any deviations from established security protocols.

Secure Software Development Operations

Establish and enforce robust security measures for all flight software and control systems. This includes establishing secure code repositories with strict version control, implementing automated security scanning tools for code analysis, and maintaining detailed logs of all software modifications. The system should include specific controls for protecting source code and build environments, with separate development zones for different security classifications. Set up comprehensive code review processes with particular attention to critical flight systems and missile defense algorithms.

Protect International Collaboration

Implement specific security controls for international partnership activities. This includes establishing secure environments for sharing approved technical data, implementing strict protocols for international communications, and maintaining detailed logs of all collaborative activities. The system must include specific controls for protecting export-controlled technologies while enabling necessary international cooperation. Develop secure procedures for managing international program requirements while maintaining strict control over sensitive technologies.

Monitor Security Operations

Integrate comprehensive security monitoring across all operations. This includes deploying network monitoring tools for development and production networks, implementing automated vulnerability scanning, and maintaining continuous surveillance of sensitive areas. The system should include real-time alerting for security events, with automated response procedures for potential incidents. Establish a dedicated security operations center with 24/7 monitoring capabilities, with specific protocols for space-based threats and cyberattacks targeting space systems.

Kiteworks Supports CMMC Compliance

For space vehicle manufacturers in the DIB, achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance requires a sophisticated approach to securing sensitive data across complex development and manufacturing environments. Kiteworks offers a comprehensive solution specifically suited for the unique challenges faced by manufacturers of space systems and missile defense technologies.

The Kiteworks Private Content Network, a FIPS 140-2 Level validated secure file sharing and file transfer platform, consolidates email, file sharing, web forms, SFTP, managed file transfer, and next-generation digital rights management solution so organizations control, protect, and track every file as it enters and exits the organization.

Kiteworks supports nearly 90% of CMMC 2.0 Level 2 requirements out of the box. As a result, DoD contractors and subcontractors can accelerate their CMMC 2.0 Level 2 accreditation process by ensuring they have the right sensitive content communications platform in place.

Kiteworks enables rapid CMMC 2.0 compliance with core capabilities and features including:

• Certification with key U.S. government compliance standards and requirements, including SSAE-16/SOC 2, NIST SP 800-171, and NIST SP 800-172
• FIPS 140-2 Level 1 validation
• FedRAMP authorized for Moderate Impact Level CUI
• AES 256-bit encryption for data at rest, TLS 1.2 for data in transit, and sole encryption key ownership

To learn more about Kiteworks, schedule a custom demo today.

Additional Resources

• Blog Post CMMC Compliance for Small Businesses: Challenges and Solutions
• Blog Post If You Need to Comply With CMMC 2.0, Here Is Your Complete CMMC Compliance Checklist
• Blog Post CMMC Audit Requirements: What Assessors Need to See When Gauging Your CMMC Readiness
• Guide CMMC 2.0 Compliance Mapping for Sensitive Content Communications
• Blog Post 12 Things Defense Industrial Base Suppliers Need to Know When Preparing for CMMC 2.0 Compliance