Modular and Optimized Data Execution Engine (MODEX) for Improved, Resilient, and Secure PNT

United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command Military Communications (MILCOM) and Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) has a national defense-related mission need in the area of augmenting and complementing modernized Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities to produce highly reliable, resilient multi-source military PNT. Space Systems Command PNT systems face disruptions and threats which have the potential to impact the performance of mission critical GPS, PNT systems. These threats include jamming, spoofing, cyberattacks, space weather, anti-satellite weapons, space debris, and frequency interference. USSF requires a modular data processing engine which leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms (ML) to filter, aggregate, and enrich data near its source to improve data transmission for optimized PNT. TeraSense, a digital engineering firm advancing DOD mission capability by commercializing modern software solutions, is proposing a research and development effort to prototype a secure-by-design, lightweight, modular, and portable data processing engine. The solution, codenamed MODEX (Modular and Optimized Data Execution Engine), leverages the cutting-edge WebAssembly (WASM) technology and aggregates, filters, and enriches sensor data at the edge by employing ML algorithms. By performing data analysis at the edge, the data output is optimized and filtered to a fraction of the original data gathered, greatly reducing the load on communications networks and downstream analytics systems. This results in improved response times and overall reduction in data latency. By leveraging WebAssembly as our runtime for MODEX, we enable PNT resilience. Specifically, MODEX provides offline capabilities, enables localized processing, reduces dependencies on external servers, is secure-by-design, and is designed for cross-platform compatibility, supporting Sensor-Fusion. USSF MILCOM PNT’s ability to collect, process, and analyze data in real-time is essential for maintaining situational awareness, detecting threats, and achieving resilience. With MODEX, MILCOM PNT can collect and process meaningful data in a secure manner at near-native speeds, affording Space Guardians resilient PNT and the ability to make real-time, data driven decisions. With MODEX, USSF SSC can expect PNT advancements in multi-sensor fusion, monitoring and situational awareness, and assurance and integrity of signals. Mr. Dean LoNigro (NH-04), USSF SSC, MILCOM PNT Cyber Threat Response Chief supported the feasibility study of MODEX. Within our response we include his letter of support alongside a letter of support from ARMY leader Mr. Jeffrey Blake (GS-14)