The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected AROBS Polska for the Post-Quantum Cryptography Algorithms for Satellite Telecommunication Applications (PQC ASTrAL) project. AROBS Polska will develop and implement, under ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) Space Systems for Safety & Security programme, an innovative cryptographic system for satellite communications.
Whilst quantum technologies pose significant opportunities, ESA is ensuring that Member States are prepared to protect themselves against associated threats which may compromise traditional cryptographic algorithms. This system will use post-quantum cryptographic algorithms designed to withstand attacks by future quantum computers.
As the prime contractor for PQC ASTrAL, AROBS Polska will develop hardware and firmware, as well as the associated software, which controls the data flow, encryption and authentication procedures using post-quantum cryptography algorithms, key management and the cryptographic IP core. The project will be supported by ResQuant, who will develop the post-quantum cryptography aspects of the system. Leveraging the expertise of these companies, the project will enable satellite systems to authenticate, encrypt and perform digital signatures securely and sustainably through a quantum attack resistant system.
PQC ASTrAL will be developed to meet the international security standards and to be compatible with two high-speed aerospace communication protocols, SpaceWire and SpaceFibre. This will ensure that the project has the potential to benefit international partners, leveraging the standardised post-quantum methods by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
"European National Security Agencies are urging the transition of critical infrastructure to post-quantum cryptography. ESA is proud to partner with AROBS Polska to develop a quantum-safe system that will protect satellite communication infrastructure from emerging threats, ensuring Europe can safely leverage quantum computing advances and defend against related attacks," said Laurent Jaffart, ESA's Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications.
“We are delighted that AROBS Polska has been selected for another ESA project. The rapid advancements in quantum computers pose a major challenge to cybersecurity, as traditional encryption systems become vulnerable to the exceptional processing power of future quantum computers. In this context, the solution developed by AROBS Polska within the PQC ASTrAL project is a necessary response to a real threat, contributing to the long-term security of satellite communications,” said Voicu Oprean, Founder and CEO of AROBS.
“By integrating post-quantum algorithms and implementing security mechanisms in hardware, PQC ASTrAL significantly reduces these risks by separating cryptographic processing from core systems and minimising vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and hardware failures. This approach ensures a high level of security for satellite communications, anticipating the industry needs for the years to come,” said Michał Szwajewski, CEO AROBS Polska.
