Hybrid modular hardware-software solution for securing ground-satellites communication

Recent advancements in satellite communication technology have significantly expanded the scope and complexity of space-based applications, from Earth observation to interplanetary missions. As satellites increasingly handle sensitive data and critical infrastructure, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of transmitted information has become a paramount concern. However, the space environment poses unique security challenges, including high latency, limited computational resources, and vulnerability to cyber threats. To address these challenges, the Space Data Link Security (SDLS) protocol has emerged as a promising standard, offering link security tailored to the constraints of space systems. In response to the growing need for robust security measures in satellite communications, this paper presents a mixed software-hardware modular implementation of the SDLS protocol proposed as a viable solution to improve the performance, resilience and reliability of future space missions.