The Innoflight Encryption ASIM

The proposed effort will develop the architecture for a miniature encryption unit that can be used for multiple small satellite applications. First, the encryption unit can be used to provide Type-1-certified communications between a spacecraft bus and external entities such as ground stations or other spacecraft. For this application, the unit can be used as a HAIPE IS compliant router for providing secure IP connectivity between the ground segment and a network of on-orbit spacecraft. Second, the unit can be used to provide secure communications within a plug-and-play spacecraft avionics system. In this capacity, the encryption unit can serve either as a standalone appliqué sensor interface module (ASIM), or it can be form the core of an ASIM that includes additional functionality as required for specific spacecraft applications. The encryption unit designed in this effort will be smaller, lighter, and require less electrical power than other existing encryption products. BENEFIT: Anticipated benefits include: 1) Provide a smaller, lighter, lower power, and lower cost encryption unit than currently available for small spacecraft 2) Provide a turnkey encryption solution for spacecraft external communications 3) Provide a turnkey encryption solution for internal spacecraft communications within a plug-and-play architecture 4) Reduce small spacecraft integration time and cost by supporting the SPA plug-and-play architecture 5) Enable the use of established IP networks for lower cost operations. Commercial applications include: 1) Standalone secure encryption unit or ASIM for use on a small spacecraft bus 2) Digital electronics core hardware and software for use within a custom ASIM 3) FPGA IP core for use within a custom ASIM 4) DoD Operationally Responsive Space and CubeSat missions