Space systems and Internet integration: security considerations

As the Internet and space systems (which have traditionally been mission unique) integrate, wider network interconnectivity will create important requirements for security to be considered as a fundamental component of the overall data communications architecture. Within space missions, data communications standards have traditionally been established by the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS), which is a branch of ISO and includes most national space agencies. The CCSDS is now addressing new areas such as the modification of Internet protocols for efficient operations within satellite networks, and advanced initiatives such as the interplanetary Internet in collaboration with the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). These developments have resulted in a new set of standards, which includes an integrated security protocol. This paper discusses the security issues related to space mission data systems with relation to the use of Internet-based standards and the requirements for efficient but robust security functionality