The U.S. Space Force (USSF) seeks secure operations through 5G for enterprise space data transport. Unparalleled security and resilience in a hybrid space and terrestrial 5G environment is one of the key goals for the USSF.

Under the USSF contract, Spectronn's commercial and patented software-defined networking (SDN) solution will be enhanced to redefine low-latency edge networking by securely and resiliently orchestrating dynamic spectrum access over commercial 5G and satellite networks like Starlink. This capability has several applications such as maritime operations (e.g., secure edge AI and Command/Control for autonomous boats), space environments (e.g., federated orbital edge computing), and public safety communications (e.g., resilient communications and secure distributed data sharing for disaster management).

Zero Trust Protocols: The New Standard for Space Data

The new contract directly addresses the emerging security challenges presented by leveraging commercial, potentially untrusted 5G and SATCOM networks. The core of this solution is its comprehensive design and integration of Zero Trust protocols at both the network and application layers.

This "Never Trust, Always Verify" model is essential for protecting data integrity, confidentiality, and availability, critical requirements for US Space Command’s vision of multi-band, multi-waveform wireless communications.

• Network Slicing and Zero Trust: SDN user equipment (UE) and 5G core stack will utilize network slicing together with Zero Trust protocols to compartmentalize traffic and enforce strict access controls.

• Path-Agnostic Connectivity: The solution is mandated to enhance resilience against Denial-of-Service (DoS) threats by supporting path-agnostic connectivity and location privacy. This ensures communication agility, reducing vulnerability to interference and jamming.

Seamless Integration: A Hybrid Architecture

The USSF objective is to achieve the seamless integration of 5G terrestrial and satellite communications technologies, promising decreased costs, increased coverage, and multi-level security compatibility for critical communication needs.

Spectronn's innovative 5G UE and core network stack includes:

• Add-on Software Modules: Developing software modules to enhance 5G UE and core network security.

• Secure Hybrid Design: Conceptualizing a secure hybrid 5G terrestrial and SATCOM system design with dynamic spectrum orchestration.

• Resilience and Recovery: Developing AI/ML capabilities for security solutions, including anomaly detection and recovery.

By integrating 5G with satellite networks, this capability will enable secure operations for defense and commercial critical infrastructure operators.