Space Information Networks (SINs) encompass satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle communications, high-altitude platforms, and space systems integrated with terrestrial communication systems. Together, they can provide connectivity to remote locations, remote sensing in infrastructure-less environments, emergency communications in disaster areas and a backbone for future interplanetary communications. This talk will explore some security, intelligence, and programmable mechanisms in SINs. Recent research examples will be presented; a P4-programmable fabric supporting resilient and efficient Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs) for emergency scenarios, and an ML-based approach for detecting forwarding misbehaviour in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations.