Abstract
Space security has emerged as a concern for the European Union (EU), given that space systems have become integral to ensuring the safety of all European society. This strategy reflects the interaction of geopolitical dynamics and the rising specter of hybrid threats. However, grappling with hybrid threats targeting the EU space presents distinct challenges, primarily owing to their elusive nature. Hence, our objective is to develop practical methodologies to identify and mitigate such threats effectively. To meet this objective, we propose an innovative 8-step process. This approach streamlines the systematic identification and analysis of discourses of hybrid threats within online platforms dedicated to EU space discussions. Our methodology underwent rigorous scrutiny, including a comprehensive literature review that prioritized peer-reviewed manuscripts from sources such as Web of Science and Elsevier Scopus. Additionally, we selected documents from Google Scholar to ensure comprehensive coverage of diverse scholarly contributions, enriching the depth of our analysis. Our research yielded a conceptual framework for Online Discourse Analysis (ODA) tailored to evaluate hybrid threats targeting EU space defense and security. The results highlight the importance of leveraging advanced ODA techniques to deepen our understanding of emerging threats. In conclusion, we advocate for the adoption of these innovative methods to enhance the robustness of EU space defense strategies in the face of evolving security scenarios. The establishment of the 8-step ODA framework marks a pivotal milestone, offering a structured approach to deciphering hybrid threats. Looking ahead, we aim to empirically validate this framework by creating and deploying custom-tailored software designed to identify potential hybrid threats jeopardizing the security of European space assets. Through continued research and practical implementation, we endeavor to fortify the EU's defenses against emerging threats in the space domain.