SBIR/STTR Award attributes
With incoming hypersonic and ballistic threats, the Optical Intersatellite Link (OISL) system must transfer large quantities of data in real-time across a mesh network of satellite crosslinks, and back-and-forth with the ground. Very high-speed, low-latency, mesh network encryptors are available on the ground; however, no interoperable National Security Agency (NSA) certified devices currently exist for space. OISL needs a flexible and autonomous encryptor supporting up to six 50 Gigabit channels, which is interoperable with these terrestrial network encryptors. We have assembled a team with the right set of capabilities to successfully develop, and certify with NSA, a space-qualified cryptographic solution for OISL. Our team are experts in designing innovative, cutting-edge systems that operate in the austere Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment. We also bring extensive subject matter expertise designing, developing, embedding, and certifying with NSA high-assurance encryptors, including high-speed mesh-network network, MILSATCOM mission data, and Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TT&C) encryptors. Furthermore, our team will recapitalize Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) technology in autonomous Key Management Infrastructure (KMI) Over-the-Network Keying (OTNK) developed with Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV) and the Space and Missile Center (SMC). Our Phase I approach is to collaborate with SDA, and other subject matter experts, in researching secure mesh network topologies and cryptographic use-cases for OISL. We will also plan, analyze, and describe our Phase II design, as well as perform initial risk-reduction demonstrations and plan for NSA certification. We will therefore quickly converge on a viable LEO mesh-network encryptor based on our team's NSA-evaluated TRL 9 cryptologic, smoothly certify the implementation with NSA, and transition it into manufacturing with rigorous supply-chain security.
