Secure and Resilient IP-Satellite Communication Infrastructure

Ground-based satellite operations play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless functioning of satellites orbiting our planet. These operations, however, are not immune to the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity risks and threats with the rise of quantum computing. The integrity, confidentiality, and availability of critical satellite data and services are at stake. In response to this challenge, this chapter endeavors to construct a robust cryptographic framework for mitigating the cybersecurity risks associated with the current standard cryptographic algorithms employed in IP communication for ground-based satellite operations. These algorithms, while widely used, face vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors when quantum computing become mainstream, our investigation aims to identify a promising candidate protocol that can effectively address these risks. This protocol should exhibit resilience against cyber threats from quantum computing, ensuring the secure transmission of data between ground stations and satellites. By doing so, we pave the way for a more secure and resilient IP-satellite communication infrastructure, safeguarding critical operations in an era where cybersecurity is paramount.