Satellite Secure Enclave for Hosted Payload Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite payload operations lack resource allocation privacy, as all switching and control are managed by a single satellite controller without privacy, necessitating an improved design for secure and private resource management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a secure enclave within the satellite operations center that encrypts and decrypts commands and telemetry using communication security varieties, allowing for private reconfiguration of payloads and maintaining autonomy for hosted payload operators, while keeping host user operations separate and private.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single satellite controller manages all payload switching and control operations, then the control system is simple and centralized, but resource allocation privacy is lost and hosted payload operators cannot maintain autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the satellite controller into two separate controllers: a host controller and a hosted controller. This segmentation allows the host controller to manage host payload operations while the hosted controller independently manages hosted payload operations, thereby providing resource allocation privacy and autonomy for hosted payload operators without requiring a completely complex distributed system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a payload multiplexer as an intermediary component that interfaces between the host controller and the hosted payload. This multiplexer enables private communication and control channels, allowing hosted payload operators to send and receive commands independently while maintaining security and privacy, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and privacy requirements.
2Reliability
If all payload operations are controlled by a single controller without encryption, then the system is easier to operate and maintain, but security and privacy of hosted payload data are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into separate host and hosted control paths with dedicated encryption modules. Each controller has its own communication interface and encryption/decryption capabilities, ensuring that hosted payload data remains secure and private while maintaining operational simplicity through clear separation of duties and standardized security protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The hosted controller and payload multiplexer are designed to autonomously handle encryption and decryption of hosted payload data without requiring manual intervention from the host controller. This self-service capability maintains security and privacy while simplifying system operation, as the security functions operate automatically based on pre-configured parameters and protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for satellite operations with a secure enclave for secure hosted payload operations are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a disclosed method for payload operations comprises receiving, by a command receiver on a vehicle (e.g., a satellite), host commands from a host spacecraft operations center (SOC). The method further comprises reconfiguring a host payload on the vehicle according to the host commands. Also the method comprises transmitting, by a telemetry transmitter on the vehicle, host payload telemetry to the host SOC. In addition, the method comprises receiving, by a payload antenna on the vehicle, hosted commands from a secure enclave of the host SOC. Additionally, the method comprises reconfiguring a hosted payload on the vehicle according to the hosted commands. Further, the method comprises transmitting, by the payload antenna, host payload data, hosted payload data, and hosted telemetry to the secure enclave of the host SOC.