Compact Type I Space Encryption Hardware

ABSTRACT:Current space COMSEC units are quite large (not suitable for NanoSats or CubeSats), are based on 1980s technology, and do not take advantage of modern protocols or data standards.They are also predicated on unique communications equipment and built to only meet the Space-Ground Link System specification, which is not at all designed to be compatible with modern interfaces or networking solutions.Furthermore, not only are these units bulky and dated, they are extremely limited in configurability and require unique drivers and software protocol stacks to be written and added for practically every adaptation of a radio or processing device that interfaces to it.As a result, the cost to implement a secure communications system can be rather severe.The overall objective of this SBIR project is to develop a highly-miniaturized and smart COMSEC End Cryptographic Unit (ECU) that is an independent and configurable subsystem with built-in Command and Data Handling (C&DH) features for Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constrained aerospace applications.The solution will replace much more expensive, larger, and specialized communication packages used on aerospace systems with a single CubeSat form factor board.The design leverages an existing commercial COMSEC unit as part of Innoflight's CubeSat Software-Defined Radio (SDR) but will now embed a recently certified Type 1 AES256-GCM Suite B cryptographic ASIC. Based on this approach, certification costs will be minimal and the unit will maintain compatibility with less expensive and more readily available ground COMSEC systems.BENEFIT:Anticipated Benefits: (1) Provide a low SWaP Type 1 certified cryptographic unit for DoD CubeSats and other small spacecraft by the end of Phase 2; (2) Provide an integrated Radio Aerospace Vehicle Equipment (AVE) that is compatible with existing ground networks, including both AFSCN / SGLS and CCSDS ///// Potential Commercial Applications: (a) The MECU can be used to provide encryption or a full secure communications system for all DoD CubeSats (there is nothing available in the CubeSat form factor today; (b)The MECU can be used for virtually any SmallSat wanting an advanced, flexible and affordable COMSEC or full Radio AVE subsystem; (b) The MECU also can be used for NASA small spacecraft, which represent national assets that require secure communications; (3) Some commercial small space missions also will be interested in low-SWaP secure communications systems such as that provided by the MECU; (4) Launch vehicles and missiles can utilize the MECU and integrated radio to provide secure communications at Low SWaP as well; (5) This technology is directly applicable to similar remotely operated vehicles such as small/micro UAVs