Steganography-based satellite quantum communication method and system

Abstract

The application discloses a satellite quantum communication method and system based on steganography, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a satellite ground TT&C station implants relevant information into a carrier file in the form of information steganography and uploads the carrier file to a pre-agreed website; when a satellite flies over, an encrypted communication instruction is sent to a satellite quantum communication load; the satellite quantum communication load emits quantum light and points the quantum light to a corresponding satellite quantum communication ground station through a transceiver telescope module; the satellite quantum communication ground station determines whether to check the pre-agreed website according to weather conditions, if the weather conditions meet the quantum communication, the satellite quantum communication ground station acquires relevant information of the satellite quantum communication task through the website and performs steganographic analysis; and according to the steganographic analysis result, the satellite quantum communication ground station starts a receiving telescope module at a specific time, points and tracks the satellite, receives quantum light and processes the quantum light to generate a quantum key. The application can avoid direct communication between the ground station and the TT&C station, and protect the geographical position information of the ground station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of quantum communication, and in particular to a satellite quantum communication method and system based on steganography. Background Technology

[0002] Quantum communication offers a novel method for key distribution, with satellite quantum communication serving as a globally distributed approach. By sending quantum light from a satellite payload to a ground-based quantum communication station, which then receives and detects the light, keys are shared between the satellite and the ground station. Currently, multiple satellites are generating keys for various countries and regions worldwide.

[0003] Current satellite quantum communication terminals, in addition to the satellite payload and ground station, generally include a ground control station for sending commands to both. Since the key distribution process often involves the transmission of important intelligence, in some scenarios, it is undesirable for eavesdroppers to know in advance that quantum communication is about to take place between the satellite and the ground station, especially for certain mobile or overseas sites. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a satellite quantum communication method and system based on steganography, which can avoid direct communication between ground stations and telemetry and control stations, protect the geographical location information of ground stations, and reduce the risk of mobile targets exposing their geographical location information when acquiring mission information during quantum communication.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is:

[0006] A steganography-based satellite quantum communication method is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0007] The satellite ground control station will embed information related to the satellite quantum communication mission into a carrier file through information steganography and upload it to a pre-agreed website;

[0008] When the satellite ground control station detects that a satellite is flying by, it sends encrypted communication commands to the satellite's quantum communication payload;

[0009] The satellite quantum communication payload obtains information about the satellite quantum communication ground station that needs to establish communication according to the communication command, and calculates the time to start the quantum light source based on the satellite's transit time and trajectory; when the time arrives, it emits quantum light and points it to the corresponding satellite quantum communication ground station through the transceiver telescope module;

[0010] The satellite quantum communication ground station determines whether to check the pre-arranged website based on the weather conditions. If the weather conditions are suitable for quantum communication, it obtains relevant information about the satellite quantum communication mission through the website and performs steganography analysis. Based on the steganography analysis results, it activates the receiving telescope module at a specific time to point at and track the satellite, receive quantum light, and process it to generate a quantum key.

[0011] Following the above technical solution, the satellite quantum communication payload simultaneously activates the laser communication light source when activating the quantum light source, and communicates with the satellite quantum communication ground station through classical laser.

[0012] Following the above technical solution, the satellite quantum communication ground station obtains communication information from classical lasers, encrypts the corresponding information according to quantum keys, and sends it to the satellite via classical laser communication.

[0013] Following the above technical solution, when the satellite ground control station performs information steganography, it encodes the relevant information of the satellite quantum communication mission into a binary data stream, selects a carrier file, and embeds the binary data stream into the carrier file using the least significant bit replacement method.

[0014] Following the above technical solution, the carrier file includes JPEG images, PDF documents, or WAV audio. Depending on the type of the carrier file, the binary data stream is embedded into the pixel values, document metadata, or WAV audio sampling points of the carrier file.

[0015] Following the above technical solution, the pre-agreed website is deployed on a web server built with Nginx or Apache, and configured with HTTPS encrypted transmission.

[0016] Following the above technical solution, the satellite quantum communication ground station downloads the carrier file from a pre-agreed website through a browser, analyzes the carrier file to determine whether it contains steganographic data, and if so, performs desteganography.

[0017] Following the above technical solution, if the information related to the satellite quantum communication mission obtained after destemming is encrypted, it can be decrypted using the key identifier in the file header or a preset key to restore it to plaintext.

[0018] The present invention also provides a steganography-based satellite quantum communication system, comprising:

[0019] The satellite ground control station, located on the ground, is used to embed information related to the satellite quantum communication mission into a carrier file through information steganography and upload it to a pre-agreed website; when the satellite ground control station detects that a satellite is flying by, it sends encrypted communication commands to the satellite quantum communication payload.

[0020] The satellite quantum communication payload, located on the satellite, includes a transceiver telescope module, a command acquisition module, and a quantum light source. The transceiver telescope module receives communication commands sent by the satellite ground control station. The command acquisition module obtains information about the satellite quantum communication ground station that needs to establish communication based on the communication commands, and calculates the time to activate the quantum light source based on the satellite's transit time and trajectory. When the time arrives, the quantum light source emits quantum light and points it to the corresponding satellite quantum communication ground station through the telescope module.

[0021] The satellite quantum communication ground station, located on the ground, includes a weather receiving module, a data processing module, a receiving telescope module, and a detector module. The weather receiving module acquires weather information; the data processing module determines whether to check a pre-agreed website based on weather conditions; if the weather conditions are suitable for quantum communication, it retrieves relevant information about the satellite quantum communication mission from the website and performs steganography analysis; the receiving telescope module activates at a specific time based on the steganography analysis results, points and tracks the satellite, and receives quantum light; and the detector module measures and processes the quantum light to generate quantum keys.

[0022] Following the above technical solution, the satellite quantum communication payload also includes a laser communication light source, which is used to simultaneously activate the laser communication light source when the quantum light source is activated, and communicate with the satellite quantum communication ground station through classical laser.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The satellite ground control station embeds mission information into a carrier file through information steganography and uploads it to a pre-agreed website, informing the satellite quantum communication ground station of the relevant mission information. The satellite ground control station then sends the relevant communication mission instructions to the satellite quantum communication payload. After parsing the instructions, the satellite quantum communication payload sends quantum light to the designated satellite quantum communication ground station at the correct time. An unexpected effect is that this invention constructs a one-way, covert mission instruction distribution system, enabling the ground station to obtain missions "silently" from public networks, thereby perfectly concealing its location and significantly improving the system's survivability and resilience.

[0024] Of course, any product implementing this invention does not necessarily need to achieve all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a satellite quantum communication method based on steganography according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a satellite quantum communication system based on steganography, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0029] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the embodiments of the present invention are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the number, shape and size of the components in actual implementation. In actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0030] In this invention, it should also be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for descriptive and distinguishing purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] Furthermore, it should be noted that the features of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined or integrated in whole or in part, and as those skilled in the art will understand, they can interact and operate in different ways. Each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or in association with one another.

[0032] This invention aims to solve the technical problem of quantum communication ground stations exposing their physical location and security when receiving mission instructions in the prior art. By constructing a one-way, covert mission instruction distribution system, the ground station can obtain missions "silently" from the public network, thereby achieving perfect concealment of its location and significantly improving the system's survivability and resistance to attacks.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the satellite quantum communication method based on steganography in this embodiment of the invention includes the following steps:

[0034] S1. The satellite ground control station will embed information related to the satellite quantum communication mission into a carrier file through information steganography and upload it to a pre-agreed website.

[0035] S2. When the satellite ground control station detects that a satellite is flying by, it sends encrypted communication commands to the satellite quantum communication payload.

[0036] S3. The satellite quantum communication payload obtains information about the satellite quantum communication ground station that needs to establish communication according to the communication command, and calculates the time to start the quantum light source based on the satellite's transit time and trajectory; when the time arrives, it emits quantum light and points it to the corresponding satellite quantum communication ground station through the transceiver telescope module;

[0037] S4. The satellite quantum communication ground station determines whether to check the pre-agreed website based on the weather conditions. If the weather conditions are suitable for quantum communication, it obtains relevant information about the satellite quantum communication mission through the website and performs steganography analysis. Based on the steganography analysis results, it activates the receiving telescope module at a specific time to point and track the satellite, receive quantum light, and process it to generate a quantum key.

[0038] Furthermore, in step S3, the satellite quantum communication payload simultaneously activates the laser communication light source when activating the quantum light source, communicating with the satellite quantum communication ground station via classical laser. The satellite quantum communication ground station can obtain communication information from the classical laser, encrypt the corresponding information according to the quantum key, and transmit it to the satellite via classical laser communication.

[0039] Specifically, when performing information steganography, the satellite ground control station encodes the relevant information of the satellite quantum communication mission into a binary data stream, then selects a carrier file and embeds the binary data stream into the carrier file using the least significant bit substitution method. The carrier file can include JPEG images, PDF documents, or WAV audio. Depending on the type of carrier file, the binary data stream can be embedded into the pixel values, document metadata, or WAV audio sampling points of the carrier file. For example, in a JPEG image, by modifying the least significant 1-2 bits of each pixel's RGB value, seamless data embedding is achieved, ensuring that the visual effect of the carrier file is not significantly different from the original file. The steganographic file distribution and deployment involves uploading the data-embedded carrier file to a web server. The web server can be built using Nginx or Apache, configured with HTTPS encrypted transmission to prevent interception. The website interface is designed as a normal resource download page, hiding the existence of the real mission and forming a covert channel.

[0040] Specifically, the satellite quantum communication ground station can download the carrier file from the telemetry and control station's website via a browser. First, a steganography detection tool is used to analyze the file, determining whether it contains steganographic data through statistical analysis of pixel value distribution and frequency domain characteristics. If an abnormal pattern is detected (such as non-randomness in the LSB plane), the desteganography phase begins. Steganography extraction and decoding employ corresponding steganography extraction algorithms. For example, tools targeting LSB steganography extract the least significant bit data pixel by pixel and reconstruct it into a binary stream. If the mission data is encrypted, it must first be decrypted using the key identifier in the file header or a preset key to restore it to plaintext mission instructions. The instructions may contain JSON-formatted configuration parameters, encrypted API interface addresses, or execution scripts for specific protocols. Based on the extracted mission instructions, the ground station configures the parameters in the target system.

[0041] As a security safeguard, information steganography can employ multi-channel steganography fusion techniques, such as simultaneously embedding LSB data and DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform) domain data into an image to increase the difficulty of cracking; combined with information check codes to prevent bit errors during data extraction. The anti-detection mechanism carrier file undergoes noise addition and histogram equalization processing to make the statistical characteristics of the steganized file approximate those of a natural file, thus evading feature-based steganography detection. In this mode, the mission is hidden through steganography, and the ground station and telemetry station do not communicate directly, protecting the geographical location information of the ground station and some mobile stations, and reducing the risk of mobile targets exposing their geographical location information when acquiring mission information during quantum communication.

[0042] Satellite quantum communication typically requires the satellite ground control station to send mission information to the satellite and the satellite quantum communication ground station in advance. Some mobile and overseas stations do not want their geographical location information to be known by eavesdroppers when performing missions. The satellite quantum communication system based on information steganography technology in this invention can effectively solve the problem of not exposing the physical location information of high-value quantum communication ground stations.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the system comprises the following components:

[0044] The satellite ground control station, located on the ground, mainly includes a steganography module and a wireless communication module. The steganography module is used to embed information related to the satellite quantum communication mission into the carrier file through information steganography and upload it to a pre-agreed website. When the satellite ground control station detects that a satellite is flying by, it sends encrypted communication commands to the satellite quantum communication payload through the wireless communication module.

[0045] The satellite quantum communication payload, located on the satellite, includes a transceiver telescope module, a command acquisition module, and a quantum light source. The transceiver telescope module receives communication commands sent by the satellite ground control station. The command acquisition module obtains information about the satellite quantum communication ground station that needs to establish communication based on the communication commands, and calculates the time to activate the quantum light source based on the satellite's transit time and trajectory. When the time arrives, the quantum light source emits quantum light and points it to the corresponding satellite quantum communication ground station through the telescope module.

[0046] The satellite quantum communication ground station, located on the ground, includes a weather receiving module, a data processing module, a receiving telescope module, and a detector module. The weather receiving module acquires weather information; the data processing module determines whether to check a pre-agreed website based on weather conditions; if the weather conditions are suitable for quantum communication, it retrieves relevant information about the satellite quantum communication mission from the website and performs steganography analysis; the receiving telescope module activates at a specific time based on the steganography analysis results, points and tracks the satellite, and receives quantum light; and the detector module measures and processes the quantum light to generate quantum keys.

[0047] Satellite quantum communication payloads typically require appropriate power supplies and electronic equipment to ensure the satellite's normal operation. All components of a satellite quantum communication payload must be adaptable to the space environment. In addition to quantum light sources, satellite quantum communication payloads may also include laser communication light sources, transmitting quantum light or classical lasers carrying information to the satellite quantum communication ground station via a coaxial telescope.

[0048] In a satellite quantum communication ground station, the receiving telescope module receives quantum light emitted by the satellite and classical light from laser communication. It uses laser communication to negotiate quantum keys and encrypts the laser communication using the generated quantum key. The detector module detects the quantum light and classical laser light received by the telescope module. The data processing module processes all information, particularly embedding a steganography module consistent with the satellite ground control station. This module performs steganography analysis on information routinely published on the website by the satellite ground control station and determines whether a quantum communication task needs to be executed. Through this "zero-communication" unidirectional stealth link, the ground station only downloads and does not respond, with no direct data interaction with the control station, making it impossible for attackers to locate the ground station through network traffic analysis. This is the core mechanism for protecting the ground station's location.

[0049] The satellite ground control station sends encrypted commands to the satellite daily as it passes overhead. These encrypted messages include whether a quantum communication mission is underway and with which satellite ground station system. The ground control station also needs to publish certain information on its website daily, hiding sensitive information within the vast amount of spam and normal content on the public internet. This embodies the security principle that "the best way to hide a tree is to place it in the forest." Attackers face enormous monitoring costs and analytical difficulties.

[0050] Based on the above system, a complete satellite quantum communication process based on information steganography is as follows:

[0051] 1. The satellite ground control station determines whether a satellite quantum communication mission is required and selects the ground stations where such missions will take place. Once the mission is confirmed, the station can choose an appropriate time to publish videos, images, and other routine website content containing information related to the satellite quantum communication mission, embedded into the website content using information steganography technology. Regardless of whether a satellite quantum communication mission is in progress, when the satellite passes the ground control station, it sends mission instructions to the satellite payload via encrypted information. These instructions include whether a satellite quantum communication mission is to be conducted and with which station. Communication missions are actually divided into two types: one is a communication mission (considered as having a mission); the other is a self-check or other mission (considered as not having a mission). This step addresses how the ground station obtains information.

[0052] 2. The satellite quantum communication payload will initiate its mission according to the instructions of the ground control station. Based on the satellite's transit time and trajectory, it will activate the quantum light source and laser communication light source in a timely manner, and point them to the docking satellite quantum communication ground station through the telescope.

[0053] 3. The satellite quantum communication ground station can monitor weather conditions to determine if a satellite quantum communication mission is suitable for the day. If suitable, it routinely visits the satellite ground control station's website. When weather conditions are favorable for laser communication, it can periodically visit the control station's website (e.g., every 5 minutes) and use the data processing module to determine if a satellite quantum communication mission exists. The ground station accesses the control station's website in real time to analyze the presence of communication mission information. If so, it obtains the communication mission, which typically includes the satellite's transit time, telescope elevation angle, and specific mission details (such as quantum key distribution, intelligence transmission, etc.). If a mission is available, the telescope is activated at an appropriate time to point at and track the satellite, receiving quantum light and classical laser light. Classical laser communication is used for classical information exchange, such as basis vector comparison and privacy amplification, in quantum key distribution. Then, the generated quantum key is used to encrypt the required classical laser communication portion, ensuring a "covert" quantum key distribution-based laser communication process between the satellite and the ground. This prevents potential eavesdroppers from learning about the satellite quantum communication mission in advance and interfering with or even disrupting it, while also protecting the ground station's geographical location information from being obtained by adversaries for infiltration and sabotage. This invention is particularly suitable for mobile sites and overseas sites that perform specific tasks.

[0054] It should be noted that, depending on the implementation needs, the various steps / components described in this application can be broken down into more steps / components, or two or more steps / components or parts of the operation of steps / components can be combined into new steps / components to achieve the purpose of this invention.

[0055] The order of the steps in the above embodiments does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0056] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A satellite quantum communication method based on steganography, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The satellite ground control station will embed information related to the satellite quantum communication mission into a carrier file through information steganography and upload it to a pre-agreed website; When the satellite ground control station detects that a satellite is flying by, it sends encrypted communication commands to the satellite's quantum communication payload; The satellite quantum communication payload obtains information about the satellite quantum communication ground station that needs to establish communication according to the communication command, and calculates the time to start the quantum light source based on the satellite's transit time and trajectory; when the time arrives, it emits quantum light and points it to the corresponding satellite quantum communication ground station through the transceiver telescope module; The satellite quantum communication ground station determines whether to check the pre-arranged website based on the weather conditions. If the weather conditions are suitable for quantum communication, it obtains relevant information about the satellite quantum communication mission through the website and performs steganography analysis. Based on the steganography analysis results, it activates the receiving telescope module at a specific time to point at and track the satellite, receive quantum light, and process it to generate a quantum key.

2. The satellite quantum communication method based on steganography according to claim 1, characterized in that, The satellite quantum communication payload activates the laser communication light source simultaneously with the quantum light source, and communicates with the satellite quantum communication ground station via classical laser.

3. The satellite quantum communication method based on steganography according to claim 2, characterized in that, The satellite quantum communication ground station obtains communication information from classical lasers, encrypts the corresponding information according to quantum keys, and sends it to the satellite via classical laser communication.

4. The satellite quantum communication method based on steganography according to claim 1, characterized in that, When performing information steganography, the satellite ground control station encodes the relevant information of the satellite quantum communication mission into a binary data stream, selects a carrier file, and embeds the binary data stream into the carrier file using the least significant bit substitution method.

5. The satellite quantum communication method based on steganography according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier file includes JPEG images, PDF documents, or WAV audio. Depending on the type of carrier file, the binary data stream is embedded in the pixel values, document metadata, or WAV audio sample points of the carrier file.

6. The satellite quantum communication method based on steganography according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pre-agreed website is deployed on a web server built with Nginx or Apache and configured with HTTPS encrypted transmission.

7. The satellite quantum communication method based on steganography according to claim 1, characterized in that, The satellite quantum communication ground station downloads the carrier file from a pre-agreed website through a browser, analyzes the carrier file to determine whether it contains steganographic data, and if so, performs desteganography.

8. The satellite quantum communication method based on steganography according to claim 7, characterized in that, If the information related to the satellite quantum communication mission obtained after destemming is encrypted, it can be decrypted using the key identifier in the file header or a preset key to restore it to plaintext.

9. A satellite quantum communication system based on steganography, characterized in that, include: The satellite ground control station, located on the ground, is used to embed information related to the satellite quantum communication mission into a carrier file through information steganography and upload it to a pre-agreed website; when the satellite ground control station detects that a satellite is flying by, it sends encrypted communication commands to the satellite quantum communication payload. The satellite quantum communication payload, located on the satellite, includes a transceiver telescope module, a command acquisition module, and a quantum light source. The transceiver telescope module receives communication commands sent by the satellite ground control station. The command acquisition module obtains information about the satellite quantum communication ground station that needs to establish communication based on the communication commands, and calculates the time to activate the quantum light source based on the satellite's transit time and trajectory. When the time arrives, the quantum light source emits quantum light and points it to the corresponding satellite quantum communication ground station through the telescope module. The satellite quantum communication ground station, located on the ground, includes a weather receiving module, a data processing module, a receiving telescope module, and a detector module. The weather receiving module acquires weather information; the data processing module determines whether to check a pre-agreed website based on weather conditions; if the weather conditions are suitable for quantum communication, it retrieves relevant information about the satellite quantum communication mission from the website and performs steganography analysis; the receiving telescope module activates at a specific time based on the steganography analysis results, points and tracks the satellite, and receives quantum light; and the detector module measures and processes the quantum light to generate quantum keys.

10. The steganography-based satellite quantum communication system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The satellite quantum communication payload also includes a laser communication light source, which is used to simultaneously activate the laser communication light source when the quantum light source is activated, and communicate with the satellite quantum communication ground station via classical laser.

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