Authenticated encryption for space telemetry

TL;DR

This paper presents a lightweight authenticated encryption scheme tailored for emergency space telemetry, ensuring data security and integrity without compromising performance in resource-limited environments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel authenticated encryption method that meets NASA standards, balancing security with operational constraints in space telemetry systems.

Findings

Provides strong confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity for telemetry data.

Maintains fixed message length for protocol compatibility.

Achieves security without sacrificing performance in resource-constrained settings.

Abstract

We explore how command stack protection requirements outlined in NASA-STD-1006A can be satisfied within the context of emergency space telemetry. Proposed implementation of lightweight authenticated encryption offers strong security without sacrificing performance in resource-constrained environments. It produces fixed-length messages, maintaining compatibility with the underlying data transport protocols. By focusing on predictable properties and robust authentication, we create a scheme that protects the confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of telemetry data in emergency communications while balancing security requirements with the operational constraints.