Multi-Access Communications System for Small Satellites

Space based networking is a problem that’s long eluded the space sector. However, many recent missions rely on constellations, clusters, or swarms of spacecraft to achieve their goals. Establishing a reliable network communications infrastructure is key to make that happen. Innoflight will be developing an advanced secure space communications core that spans from the physical layer to the transport layer. The system will provide security in depth, link security, and end-to-end security. The system will leverage modern Internet Key Negotiations (IKE) protocol and NSA Suite-B based ciphersuites to secure the links. Path establishment will be managed autonomously and dynamically according to the real time access opportunities afforded by the spacecraft and in-sight ground resources. A fully transparent network fabric will be exposed to the end user, requiring minimal on-orbit configuration. The system will be interoperable with the DoDIN (DoD Information Network) and its applications.