Hosted Payload Command Encryption for Satellite Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current payload operations for vehicles like satellites lack resource allocation privacy, as all switching and control are managed by a single satellite controller without any privacy in resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system for hosted payload operations that involves encrypting and decrypting commands and telemetry using different communication security varieties, allowing for private reconfiguration of payloads and data transmission, enabling secure and dynamic allocation of resources on demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single satellite controller manages all payload switching and control, then the system is simple to operate, but resource allocation privacy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the payload control system into multiple independent controllers (host controller and hosted controllers), each managing specific payload resources. This segmentation enables private resource allocation while maintaining operational simplicity through defined control boundaries and encrypted communication channels between controllers.
2Loss of information
If multiple controllers are introduced for private resource allocation, then resource allocation privacy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces encrypted communication channels and security modules as intermediaries between controllers. These intermediaries enable private resource allocation by encrypting control signals and telemetry data, allowing multiple controllers to operate independently without directly exposing their resource allocation decisions to other controllers or external observers.
3Reliability
If encrypted communication channels are implemented for each controller, then security is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the encryption functionality into integrated security modules that are embedded within each controller and the payload system. By combining encryption, decryption, and security management into unified modules rather than separate communication layers, the system achieves strong security while minimizing communication overhead and maintaining operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for hosted payload operations comprises transmitting, by a hosted payload (HoP) operation center (HOC), encrypted hosted commands to a host spacecraft operations center (SOC). The method further comprises transmitting, by the host SOC, encrypted host commands and the encrypted hosted commands to a vehicle. Also, the method comprises reconfiguring a host payload according to unencrypted host commands, and reconfiguring a hosted payload according to unencrypted hosted commands. Additionally, the method comprises transmitting host payload data to a host receiving antenna. Also, the method comprises transmitting hosted payload data to a hosted receiving antenna and/or the host receiving antenna. Additionally, the method comprises transmitting, by a host telemetry transmitter, encrypted host telemetry to the host SOC; and transmitting, by a hosted telemetry transmitter, encrypted hosted telemetry to the host SOC. Further, the method comprises transmitting, by the host SOC, the encrypted hosted telemetry to the HOC.