Tabletop Exercises
Real-world space threat scenarios delivered in a controlled, facilitated environment. RSI builds exercises that expose gaps, strengthen decision-making, and improve coordinated response — before a real event tests your team.
What Is a TTX?
Simulated Pressure. Real Readiness.
A tabletop exercise (TTX) is a facilitated, discussion-based session where participants work through a simulated crisis scenario in real time. Unlike drills or live exercises, TTXs focus on decision-making, communication, and process — not physical action. They surface gaps in plans, reveal coordination failures, and build shared understanding of who does what when things go wrong.
For space organizations, TTXs are especially critical because the threat environment is evolving faster than formal training can keep pace. GPS disruption, satellite communication denial, ASAT events — these scenarios are no longer theoretical. Your team needs to have already worked through their response before one becomes real.
RSI facilitators bring subject matter expertise in space threats, operational frameworks, and exercise design — ensuring your session generates actionable insights, not just conversation.
Scenario Library
Six Core Scenario Categories
RSI exercises draw from a library of rigorously developed space threat scenarios. Every scenario can be customized to your organization's specific systems, mission, and threat context.
GPS Jamming & Spoofing Event
An adversary begins systematic GPS jamming in a contested theater, followed by spoofing of navigation signals affecting civilian infrastructure and military assets. Teams must assess cross-domain impacts, coordinate with civil authorities, and navigate backup positioning procedures while maintaining operational tempo.
Satellite Communication Disruption
Progressive degradation of a SATCOM constellation serving multiple mission areas. Participants manage partial capacity, prioritize traffic, coordinate with operators, and execute contingency communication plans across a multi-hour disruption window with cascading downstream effects.
Kinetic ASAT Threat Response
An adversary demonstrates a kinetic anti-satellite capability, generating an expanding debris field that threatens operational assets. Participants navigate the collision avoidance decision cycle, maneuver constraints, orbital mechanics trade-offs, and escalation management — with policy, legal, and operational dimensions intertwined.
Orbital Debris Emergency
A fragmentation event generates high-conjunction-probability warnings across multiple operational orbits simultaneously. Teams work through conjunction data management, maneuver authorization chains, coordination with 18th Space Defense Squadron, and public communication of risk — under time pressure and incomplete information.
Supply Chain / Component Compromise
Discovery that a foreign-manufactured component in a satellite subsystem may contain hardware or firmware implants — identified after launch. Participants manage an uncertain disclosure environment, technical investigation, mission impact assessment, and inter-agency coordination under significant classification constraints.
Space Cyber Intrusion
Adversary intrusion into a ground station network is detected mid-operation. Participants respond to an active compromise affecting command-and-control uplink integrity, navigate incident response procedures, assess mission impact, and coordinate with cybersecurity and national security stakeholders simultaneously.
How It Works
The RSI TTX Process
Every RSI tabletop exercise follows a rigorous three-phase process designed to maximize learning outcomes and minimize wasted time.
Scope
We work with your leadership to define objectives, participants, classification level, threat scenarios, and desired outcomes. This includes a pre-exercise questionnaire and planning call to tailor the scenario to your organization's specific systems and mission context.
Design
RSI develops a custom exercise package including the master scenario events list (MSEL), inject schedule, facilitator guide, participant materials, and evaluation framework. You receive a draft for review and approval before final delivery.
Facilitate
RSI facilitators guide your team through the exercise in real time — managing scenario injects, probing decision points, and maintaining productive tension without steering outcomes. Followed by a structured hot wash and written after-action report with specific improvement recommendations.
Commission a Custom TTX
Every exercise is tailored to your organization, your threats, and your objectives. Contact RSI to scope your next tabletop exercise.