Compact Type 1 Space Encryption Hardware

Space systems routinely employ cryptographic protection of their communications links. This is necessary, not only to protect the confidentiality and integrity of information transmitted by or via a spacecraft, but also to protect command and control functions for the spacecraft. Cryptographic services in a spacecraft are generally provided by dedicated box-level encryption control units (ECUs). ECUs currently employed suffer from excessive size, weight, and power consumption, which presents a significant integration obstacle for small spacecraft. This Phase I project will apply a platform-based design methodology for the development of an advanced high-performance, low-power, small form factor plug-and-play ECU suitable for employment on space vehicles ranging from tactical satellites down to CubeSats. The size, weight, and power benefits provided by this ECU will conserve resources that may be used to improve payload functionality, mission lifetime, or other objectives, while plug-and-play will enable dramatically shorter and less expensive system integration. BENEFIT: Athena will market the ECU product and technology to military and commercial satellite producers. Applications for this technology range from large multi-payload satellites to the smallest experimental space vehicles, and even interplanetary science missions. The ECU technology may also be adapted for terrestrial secure communications applications.