(DMR) Resilient Cyber Defense Ecosystem for Space Systems

This effort will involve the design process and implementation of an integrated defensive ecosystem composed of three mutually reinforcing components that collectively support secure, resilient spacecraft operations:

1. Quantum-Resistant & Radiation-Aware Communication Layer

Implements PQC algorithms using open-source standards (ML-KEM for key exchange, ML-DSA for authentication, and AES for symmetric encryption).

Incorporates radiation-resilience features such as key-material integrity checks, periodic cryptographic self-tests, autonomous fallback/re-keying, and transient-fault recovery logic.

Employs a software-based radiation fault-injection framework—simulating single-event upsets, burst errors, and cumulative degradation—to evaluate and reinforce cryptographic robustness under space-relevant conditions.

Provides a firmware/software-centric design suitable for supporting legacy and future satellite communication architectures.

2. Autonomous Intrusion Detection & Prevention System (IDPS)

Deploys behavior-driven and signature-based detection using tools such as Suricata and Snort within a virtualized spacecraft environment.

Coordinates with the PQC layer to unify secure communication and cyber monitoring.

Distinguishes between malicious anomalies and radiation-induced effects using integrated telemetry and fault-injection event data.

3. Machine-Learning Data Analytics Engine

Performs real-time fusion and anomaly characterization on telemetry, network flows, and system-behavior data.

Utilizes public datasets (e.g., CICIDS2017, UNSW-NB15, UNR-IDD) alongside custom spacecraft-style logs generated from IDPS and radiation-fault events.

Enhances situational understanding by identifying early indicators of cyber intrusions, degraded crypto state, or radiation-driven disruption.