Unlocking the Orbital Domain: Digital Forensics in Satellite and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Technologies

The rapid advancement of satellite and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies, coupled with the emergence of sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks, has expanded the scope of digital forensics beyond terrestrial environments. These systems serve as critical infrastructures for global communication, navigation, and surveillance, yet they remain highly susceptible to cyber threats. The transition to non-terrestrial and autonomous operational environments introduces a complex array of challenges, including data volatility, jurisdictional limitations, and the necessity for specialized forensic tools. This paper examines the forensic challenges associated with satellite Internet of Things (IoT) and UAVs in 6G-enabled environments. It highlights critical forensic processes, such as evidence identification, collection, preservation, correlation, and analysis, which are significantly complicated by the physical inaccessibility of satellites and UAVs in extreme environments such as deep space and underwater domains. The research also explores emerging forensic methodologies, including network traffic analysis, signal analysis, metadata extraction, and data recovery techniques, essential for investigating cyber incidents in non-terrestrial digital systems. Furthermore, the study outlines the deployment of advanced forensic tools such as Satellite Communication (Satcom) Analyzers, Payload Data Analyzers, and Satellite Imaging Analysis Tools. These technologies aid forensic investigators in reconstructing cyber incidents, tracing adversaries, and restoring compromised systems. The article also provides recommendations for strengthening forensic readiness, including the development of standardized forensic protocols, international policy coordination, and collaboration between industry, academia, and law enforcement. As 6G wireless technology becomes fully integrated into IoT ecosystems, forensic challenges will continue to evolve. This paper underscores the necessity of advancing digital forensics methodologies and tools to address the security risks of increasingly complex satellite and UAV environments. By fostering a comprehensive approach to forensic readiness, investigators can enhance the detection, attribution, and mitigation of cyber threats, ensuring the security and integrity of next-generation space-based infrastructures.