ESA-RDNM4SSC

Secure Satcom for Safety & Security (4S)

Status

Ongoing
Status date

2024-12-22
Activity Code

3A.173

Objectives

The project aims to develop resilient distributed network management strategies for secure satellite constellations. It focuses on creating alternatives to centralized network management, enhancing the resilience and security of satellite communications. The project investigates different network management architectures, design options, and implement a software simulator to demonstrate these alternatives. The ultimate goal is to enable distributed network management techniques for future secure satellite constellations, achieving a Technology Readiness Level of 4.

Challenges

Key challenges include managing the dynamic nature of satellite networks, ensuring scalability to support large constellations, and integrating advanced technologies like SDN and 5G. Additionally, achieving high performance and resilience against cyber-attacks and disruptions are critical challenges.

Benefits

The RDNM4SSC offers significant advantages over existing systems by providing a resilient and secure network management framework for satellite constellations. It leverages advanced technologies like SDN and 5G to enhance network performance, flexibility, and security. The distributed management approach reduces dependency on a central control centre, improving resilience against failures and attacks. This solution is particularly valuable for secure communications in governmental and commercial applications, offering superior performance and reliability compared to traditional centralized systems.

Features

RDNM4SSC includes a comprehensive satellite network simulator, distributed resource management algorithms, and dynamic network simulation capabilities. Key components include:

Satellite Constellation Management: Configures and manages satellite networks.
Flight Dynamics Simulator: Simulates satellite movements and communication channels.
Dynamic Network Simulator: Models network behaviour and performance under various scenarios.
User Interface: Provides an intuitive interface for configuring simulations and visualizing results.
SDN Integration: Enhances network management and performance through software-defined networking.

System Architecture

The system architecture comprises several high-level modules:

User Interface: Allows configuration of simulation parameters and visualization of results.
Data Preparation and Reporting: Verifies input data and processes simulation results.
Scenario Configuration: Generates required constellation interactions and mission plans.
Simulation Engine: Includes flight dynamics, communication channel, and network simulators.
Network Management and Configuration: Configures and simulates network scenarios.
Performance Analysis: Computes figures of merit and statistics for simulated scenarios.
External Data Management: Handles data sources and sinks for simulation inputs and outputs

ESA-RDNM4SSC system architecture

Plan

RDNM4SSC project began in Q4 of 2024. In that time, the project team successfully conducted Requirement Review meeting. Final Review of project is expected to take place in December 2025.

Current status

Requirements review meeting has been concluded. Project is now being carried on to design phase.