July 1, 2024
The development of high-throughput, quantum-resistant Software-Defined Routers (SD-Rs) is central to the U.S. Space Force (USSF) and Department of Defense (DoD) initiatives for securing Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). Forward Edge-AI, through a Direct to Phase II SBIR (SDA2D-0140), is advancing a low-cost, high-performance SD-R capable of securing C6ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber defense, Combat Systems, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) nodes in space.
Concept Art for a High-Throughput Space Router
The SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) initiative represents a significant shift from the previous National Defense Space Architecture, reflecting the growing importance of satellite technology in modern warfare. The High-Throughput Space Router (HTSR) will securely and efficiently route data across the PWSA’s low Earth orbit (pLEO) constellation of satellites.
The new HTSR will enable dynamic connections between multiple commercial infrastructure nodes and C6ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) nodes, providing robust and flexible data transport solution. The HTSR is essential for managing the large volumes of data generated by modern military sensors and communication systems.
In alignment with President Donald Trump’s Executive Orders on cybersecurity, this project enhances the resiliency, scalability, and survivability of U.S. space communications against adversarial cyber threats.
Strategic Cybersecurity Challenges in Space Networks
Current space communications rely on legacy encryption systems that are vulnerable to:
Quantum computing advancements that render traditional encryption obsolete.
State-sponsored cyber warfare, particularly from China and Russia, targeting satellite networks.
Inefficient cryptographic infrastructure, with many NSA-approved COMSEC devices nearing expiration.
High costs of current space encryptors, ranging from $40,000 to $2 million per unit.
To address these vulnerabilities, Forward Edge-AI is developing a quantum-resistant, AI-driven SD-R, integrating:
Isidore Quantum™ Encryption
HyperX Neuromorphic Processing
Juniper Networks Virtual Firewall Technologies
Microsoft Azure Orbital Integration for Hybrid Space Networks
Core Capabilities of the High-Throughput SD-R
This SD-R will provide a secure, quantum-resistant communications backbone for PWSA, supporting:
Dynamic Security Associations (DSAs) for autonomous network topology adaptation.
Hybrid Routing Architecture, integrating Isidore’s NSA-validated MACSec encryption with Juniper’s vSRX Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN).
Self-Healing, AI-Driven Cyber Defense, using a neuromorphic processor to automate threat detection and mitigation.
Ultra-Low SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost), reducing power consumption from 70W to 5W.
Point-to-Multipoint and Mesh Topology Encryption, enabling secure interconnectivity across commercial and defense space assets.
Competitive Advantages of Isidore Quantum™ SD-R
Feature | Traditional IPsec-Based Routers | Isidore Quantum™ SD-R |
Quantum Resistance | No | Yes |
Autonomous AI Security Response | No | Yes |
Power Consumption | 70W | 15W |
Throughput | 1 Gb/s | 500 Gb/s - 1 Pb/s |
Form Factor | Half-brick, 1.9 kg | Credit card-sized, 2.5g |
Security Footprint | Detectable, Geolocatable | Stealth Mode, No Forensic Trace |
Cost | $40,000 - $2M | $9,600 |
Alignment with President Trump’s Executive Orders on Cybersecurity
This initiative aligns with President Trump's cybersecurity directives, focusing on:
National Defense Strategy Compliance: Strengthening the DoD’s cyber defenses against quantum and AI-driven cyber threats.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with Microsoft Azure, Juniper Networks, and Coherent Logix to deliver enterprise-ready hybrid space security.
Cost-Efficient, Rapid Deployment: Integrating Isidore Quantum™ SD-R as-a-Service into Azure Marketplace, allowing military and commercial entities to deploy space encryption instantly.
The Direct to Phase II SBIR SD-R project is a critical step in ensuring secure, high-speed, quantum-resistant communications for U.S. space and defense networks. By leveraging advanced AI-driven encryption, low-power neuromorphic processors, and software-defined routing, this initiative delivers a cost-effective, scalable, and cyber-resilient solution for PWSA and beyond.
This SD-R program reinforces U.S. leadership in space security, aligning with President Trump’s vision for strengthening national defense through advanced cybersecurity solutions. Upon completion, the Isidore Quantum™ SD-R will be ready for NSA certification, military deployment, and full-scale commercial adoption.
Stakeholders
Award a Phase III Sole Source Contract
A Federal Agency may enter into a Phase III SBIR/STTR agreement at any time with a Phase I OR II Awardee. A subcontract to a Federally funded prime contract may be a Phase III award.
Space Products Include:
High-Performance Space Router
Quantum-Resistant Encryptor for Space COMSEC
Machine Learning (M/L) Algorithms to Detect and Respond to Cyber-intrusions
New Governance System to Manage the Lineage and Provenance of ML/AI algorithms and associated training data within the context of space
Step 1 Requirements Document: Prepare a Statement of Work (SOW), Statement of Objectives (SOO), or Performance Work Statement (PWS), or use our automated tool to generate a document
Step 2 Market Research: Use this page as your market research, or view a list of other eligible projects, then request a Rough Order Magnitude (ROM) from Forward Edge-AI
Step 3 Funding: Performed by the government
Step 4 Sole Source Justification: A Memorandum for the Record is required in lieu of a J&A or SSJ
Step 5 Provide Requirements Package to Contracting Officer: Performed by the government
Step 6 Solicitation: Performed by the government
Step 7 Pre-Negotiation Memorandum: Use GSA CALC as a benchmark to determine fair and reasonableness of our ROM
Step 8: Contract Award: Performed by the government
Language for Step 4 (Determination and Finding):
High Performance or High-Throughput Space Router, Networking Equipment, Communications Equipment, Space Internet, Space Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence (Anomaly Detector, Deep Reinforcement Learning Agent), Counter Adversarial AI, Encryption, cybersecurity, neuromorphic processor, quantum-resistant encryption, pRadio Frequency, SATCOM, Zero Trust
List of Phase III contracts awarded so far
Come back soon
SBIR DATA RIGHTS:
Awarding Agency: US Space Force, Space Development Agency
Contract Numbers: FA24012490044
Contractor Name: Forward Edge-AI, Inc.
Contractor Address: 10108 Carter Canyon, San Antonio, TX 78255
Expiration of SBIR Data: 01 July, 2044
Protection Period: 20 years from award of contract on 01 July, 2024
The Government's rights to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose technical data or computer software marked with this legend are restricted during the period shown as provided in paragraph (b)(5) of the Rights In Other Than Commercial Technical Data and Computer Software–Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program clause contained in the above identified contract. After the expiration date shown above, the Government has perpetual government purpose rights as provided in paragraph (b)(5) of that clause. Any reproduction of technical data, computer software, or portions thereof marked with this legend must also reproduce the markings.
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