January 02, 2025
Introduction
The Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Space Force (USSF) are prioritizing the enhancement of space-based cryptographic security. The Direct to Phase II (D2P2) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project advances resilient space encryption technologies, ensuring robust security for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and strategic deterrence against adversarial cyber threats.
Cross-Domain, Point to Multipoint Encryption Solution-Based on Isidore Quantum®.
This initiative project builds on findings from Isidore Quantum®, a low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) encryption solution developed under a National Security Agency (NSA) Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) and AFWERX/SPACEWERX STTR programs.
Cybersecurity Challenges in Space Communications
President Trump’s Executive Orders on cybersecurity emphasize national security resilience against state-sponsored cyberattacks. The space domain, particularly CubeSats and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, is highly vulnerable to cyber-intrusions. Recent intelligence reports highlight:
Chinese electronic warfare operations, including signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection from adversary satellites.
Russian cyber intrusions targeting commercial satellite communications.
Legacy encryption vulnerabilities, as many U.S. cryptographic devices approach expiration.
Given the increasing cybersecurity threats, the USSF mandates the development of quantum-resistant encryption to protect military space assets.
Isidore Quantum®: A Transformative Encryption Technology
Isidore Quantum® represents a game-changing solution by introducing a protocol-agnostic, NSA-certified encryption device that:
Integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) for cyber-immune responses based on human-like anomaly detection.
Employs Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite 2.0 (CNSA 2.0) compliance for quantum-resistant encryption.
Leverages VLAN-based security architecture to enable point-to-multipoint encryption across the PWSA.
Supports Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS).
Reduces cost barriers by using Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) hardware with NSA-validated software components.
High Assurance certification will be a critical milestone, ensuring its adoption across expeditionary military communications and satellite network security.
Isidore Quantum® will ensure robust protection against cyber threats while maintaining high network performance and efficiency. The autonomous key management and zero-trust architecture inherent in Isidore reduces vulnerabilities and streamline security operations, making it an ideal solution for the demanding requirements of modern space communication networks, which require both high security and operational efficiency. The anticipated results of the D2P2 R/R&D project is a TRL-8 space encryptor.
Direct to Phase II SBIR Objectives
The 24-month D2P2 SBIR project focuses on:
Developing a VLAN Management System for multi-level security in space networks.
Iteratively Manufacturing PCBs for NSA Type 1 certification.
Conducting on-orbit testing of Isidore Quantum®.
Achieving NSA Type 1 Certification for secure PWSA communications.
Key Advantages of Isidore Quantum® over Competitors
Feature | Current IPSec Space Encryptors | Isidore Quantum® |
Quantum Resistance | No | Yes |
AI-Driven Cybersecurity | No | Yes |
Power Consumption | 70W | 7W |
Form Factor | Large (Half-Brick) | Credit-Card Sized |
Cost | $200,000 - $2,000,000 | $9,800 |
Isidore Quantum® provides a low-cost, high-performance alternative to traditional space encryptors, ensuring secure communications in a contested cyber environment.
Advantages include significantly enhanced security for space-based communication and data processing. The quantum-resistant nature of the encryption ensures that communications remain secure against future quantum computing threats, which traditional IPSec methods cannot withstand as implemented. This future-proofing is vital for maintaining data integrity and confidentiality, protecting sensitive information from sophisticated cyberattacks. Proposed modifications to Isidore Quantum® will ensure that classified and unclassified data streams can coexist without risking unauthorized access or data breaches, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of space communication networks.
Integration with President Trump’s Cybersecurity Initiatives
This project directly supports Executive Orders on Critical Infrastructure Security and National Defense Strategy, including:
Strengthening Cyber Defenses in Space Operations: Ensuring unclassified and classified communications remain secure against foreign adversarial threats.
Enhancing Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with Microsoft Azure Orbital, Juniper Networks, and Lumen Technologies to operationalize hybrid space cryptographic infrastructure.
Accelerating Technology Commercialization: Integrating Isidore Quantum® encryption-as-a-service into the Azure Marketplace, facilitating rapid deployment for commercial and military customers.
Forward Edge-AI’s D2P2 SBIR project is a critical step in securing U.S. space assets against emerging cyber threats. By leveraging quantum-resistant cryptographic advancements, AI-driven cyber resilience, and VLAN-based security enhancements, Isidore Quantum® ensures the PWSA remains a secure and resilient digital ecosystem for U.S. national security.
This initiative aligns with President Donald Trump’s vision for a cyber-secure America, delivering a next-generation cryptographic solution to fortify U.S. dominance in space-based communications.
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:
Quantum-Resistant Encryptor
Cross-Domain, Point-to-Multipoint Encryption
Machine Learning (M/L) Algorithms to Detect and Respond to Cyber-intrusion
SBIR DATA RIGHTS:
Awarding Agency: Space Development Agency
Contract Numbers: FA254125CB024
Contractor Name: Forward Edge-AI, Inc.
Contractor Address: 10108 Carter Canyon, San Antonio, TX 78255
Expiration of SBIR Data: January 06 2045
Protection Period: 20 years from award of contract on January 06 2025
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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