Secure PNT Assurance in Contested Environments - Distributing Updated Crypto Keys

This effort will demonstrate, in collaboration with the AFRL, Xona’s commercial security design/implementation, in particular the watermarking schema, against spoofing attacks and the ability for PULSAR to support that security design leveraging over-the-air methods to support the disconnected user. Spoofing refers to transmitting fake signals to force a receiver into reporting an inaccurate time and/or position. When considering the adoption of emerging space-based PNT sources, deciphering real from fake is critical.  The emerging availability of low-cost software-defined RF signal generators has resulted in an unprecedent number of spoofing attacks across civilian and commercial markets. It can be assumed that peer and near-peer nation-state adversaries will apply targeted efforts to deter the United States' ability to leverage alternate, space-based PNT to support the warfighter.   This project proposes demonstration of two major PULSAR features: Over-The-Air-Rekeying (OTAR) and authentication of range measurements via watermarking. Together, these features provide the backbone for a secure experience to all PULSAR users, including those internet disconnected receivers. OTAR provides the ability to manage access to the PULSAR service seamlessly across all users, regardless of location and internet connection. Xona uses a hierarchical key architecture to control various actions – from renewing a subscription or re-keying in the case of a compromised device. PULSAR’s key hierarchy and key lifecycle is designed to completely negate the ability for a compromised receiver to affect other PULSAR users. While other GNSS are looking at authenticating the data provided by the signal, PULSAR not only provides authentication of the data but also authentication of the ranging signal itself through watermarking of the PRN sequence. This puncture based watermarking scheme protects receivers from some of the most advanced adversaries in terms of spoofing mitigation. We aim to demonstrate the full performance of these two major features by putting a receiver through a robust and thorough battery of tests to face a wide range of different adversaries that address scenarios of concerns of our customers and scenarios Xona specifically built PULSAR to protect against. The demonstrations will range from theoretical performance analysis to simulated bench testing to real-world, live-sky based testing leveraging government sponsored testing opportunities to fully showcase the security and capabilities of PULSAR in situ. Through these demonstrations, users will see the full potential of the security PULSAR provides.