E-Space’s Post

#freespaceeducation #space #cybersecurity #cubesats #virtualsatellites Very interesting academic paper that serves as a great example of how the academic world has and continues to make great contributions to forwarding the topic of space systems. "Virtual Satellite Network Simulator (VSNeS) - A Novel Engine to Evaluate Satellite Networks Over Virtual Infrastructure and Networks" primarily focuses on the development of the Virtual Satellite Network Simulator (VSNeS), a novel simulation engine for evaluating satellite networks in a virtualized environment. Here's a concise summary of its key aspects: 🗨 Introduction and Background: Discusses the growing need for satellite systems in the New Space ecosystem, emphasizing the challenges in satellite communications and the necessity for virtualization in network testing. 📡 Non-Terrestrial Networks and Software-Defined Network over Satellites: Explores the integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) in supporting terrestrial networks and the role of Software-Defined Networks (SDNs) in managing in-orbit infrastructure. 🛰 Satellite Dynamics: Covers key concepts in satellite dynamics, including orbit regions (LEO, MEO, GEO), Keplerian elements, coordinate systems, and Two Line Elements (TLE) for satellite tracking. 🛰 Satellite Network Emulators and Virtual Machines: Analyzes existing satellite network emulators and the role of virtual machines in satellite network simulation. 📃 Project Definition and Objectives: Defines the objectives and structure of the VSNeS project, including its schedule and work packages. 🤖 Emulator Definition and Requirements: Discusses the requirements for the VSNeS emulator and compares these with existing technologies. 👨🔬 Preliminary Design and Software Selection: Presents the preliminary design of VSNeS, including software choices and validation tests conducted. 👩🔬 VSNeS Design and Execution Process: Details the design of the VSNeS, including its various modules, 3D Virtual Globe GUI, orbit and satellite contact models, and the execution process. 📄 Preliminary Test Results: Describes tests conducted to verify node position, delay, connectivity, GUI functionality, and performance. 🛰 Satellite Scenarios and Conclusions: Outlines different satellite scenarios tested using VSNeS and discusses the conclusions drawn from these tests, as well as future work directions. The document thoroughly addresses the technical and theoretical aspects of developing and implementing a virtual satellite network simulator, highlighting its potential impact on the field of satellite communications.

It's just a single line of code, huh? In the product development cycle, the weight of a single line can't be underestimated – it holds the potential to either propel your product to greatness or send it into a tailspin. Here's why that one line matters more than you might think: [1] Heartbleed Bug (Security Impact): In the OpenSSL library, a single line of code contained a programming error (an unbounded memory copy operation). 👉 It allowed attackers to read sensitive data from the memory of millions of web servers, compromising user credentials and other confidential information. [2] Ariane 5 Flight 501 (Performance Impact): In the rocket's flight control software, a single line of code was reused from the previous version without considering the higher velocity of Ariane 5. 👉 The reused code caused an integer overflow, leading to a catastrophic failure 37 seconds after liftoff, destroying the rocket and its payload. [3] NASA Mars Climate Orbiter (Unit Conversion Error): A single line of code contained a unit conversion error (imperial units instead of metric). 👉 The spacecraft approached Mars at too low an altitude, resulting in the loss of the mission as it burned up in the Martian atmosphere. [4] Amazon Web Services Outage (Scaling Challenge): During an attempt to remove a small number of servers from service, a single line of code error led to a larger set of servers being removed. 👉 This triggered a cascading failure, causing a significant outage that affected several high-profile websites and services relying on Amazon Web Services. [5] Toyota Acceleration Recall (Software Bug): In the electronic throttle control system, a single line of code introduced a software bug related to the interaction between two tasks. 👉 Unintended acceleration in certain situations led to accidents and a massive vehicle recall by Toyota. [6] Intel's FDIV Bug (Mathematical Error): A single line of code in the floating-point division (FDIV) instruction caused inaccuracies in mathematical calculations. 👉 The bug affected the accuracy of calculations on Intel Pentium processors, leading to a significant public relations crisis and a costly product recall. These real use cases emphasize the critical importance of writing and reviewing code with precision and care. A seemingly insignificant oversight in a single line can have far-reaching consequences, impacting security, performance, scalability, and overall system reliability. That's it for this post. I hope you found it insightful. Let me know in the comments what you think about it. #cleancode #aws #nasa #softwareengineer #webdevelopment

Pushing the Boundaries of Satellite Technologies 🛰 As part of my studies in satellite communications, I recently had the opportunity to conduct an exciting experiment focused on calculating uplink and downlink speeds. This hands-on experience allowed me to dive deep into the intricate workings of satellite data transmission. In the lab, surrounded by cutting-edge equipment and test setups, I meticulously configured and calibrated the systems to simulate real-world satellite communication scenarios. Through careful measurements and analysis, I explored the factors influencing data rates, investigating the impact of variables such as signal strength, modulation techniques, and channel conditions. The ability to visualize and quantify these aspects provided invaluable insights into optimizing satellite link performance. It was truly fascinating to witness firsthand how even the slightest adjustments could significantly affect the data throughput in both the uplink and downlink directions. This practical experience has further fueled my passion for satellite technologies and their vast potential in enabling global connectivity. I'm grateful for the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in a tangible way, solidifying my understanding and preparing me for future challenges in this dynamic field. #SatelliteCommunications #TelecommunicationsEngineering #HandsOnLearning #DataTransmission #ExperimentalDesign

🚀 Exciting news on Eagle-1: European QKD satellite! SES together with over 20 partners, including itrust and LuxTrust, Eagle-1 will integrate seamlessly Quantum Key Distribution technology into existing networks, enhancing protection for critical infrastructures. Launching by the end of 2025 (beginning 2026), this project marks a significant step towards achieving digital sovereignty in Europe. But what can one LEO satellite really offer? Well that depends on the end user demands on keys and how many ground stations you have. But lets do some estimation... A LEO satellite in a polar orbit and with 100 min rotation period will achieve 3 links per day in an annual average assuming only night-time operation. For a source repetition rate of 300MHz a key volume per 6 min overflight can be 250 kbits. So we have 750 kbits per day that we can provide to ground nodes. This should be enough for the applications where communication load is not high. Maybe confidentiality is not the main focus but more the availability and reliability of connection. Good example is power grids, especially those of renewable energy sources that are controlled remotely and are highly dispersed geographically. We at QuantumPrime are excited to see what Eagle-1 will offer as it will be the big proof of feasibility of providing value with quantum tech from space which is exactly what we focus on. #spaceQKD #quantumcommunication #satellitecommunication #QuantumPrime

Examples of Flight Computers meant for spacecraft. https://lnkd.in/eUUjet_J https://lnkd.in/eV6EkFsq https://lnkd.in/ej4vCecT

Fibre optic technology and satellite communication. 1.Fibre optic cables in satellites-Some satellites use fibre optic cables to connect different components, such as antennas, transponders, and control systems. 2.Optical inter-satellite links-Fibre optic technology enables optical inter-satellite links, allowing satellites to communicate with each other through laser beams. 3.Fibre optic-based satellite ground stations- Fibre optic cables connect satellite ground stations to the global network, enabling high-speed data transfer. 4.Optical fibre-based satellite antennas- Some satellite antennas use fibre optic technology to improve signal quality and reduce weight. 5.Space-based fibre optic networks- Researchers are exploring the concept of space-based fibre optic networks, where fibre optic cables connect satellites and spacecraft. Benefits of fibre optic technology in satellite communication: 1.Higher bandwidth-Fibre optic technology offers higher bandwidth and faster data transfer rates. 2.Improved signal quality-Fibre optic cables reduce signal degradation and interference. 3.Increased security-Fibre optics technology provides a secure communication channel, resistant to interception and jamming. 4.Reduced weight and power consumption- Fibre optic components are lighter and consume less power, ideal for space applications. However, there are challenges to consider: 1.Radiation resistance-Fibre optic components must be designed to withstand radiation in space. 2.Temperature extremes-Fibre optic components must operate in extreme temperature conditions. 3.Distance and latency-Signals transmitted through fibre optic cables in space must travel long distances, introducing latency. Despite these challenges, fibre optic technology is transforming satellite communication, enabling faster, more secure, and more reliable data transfer.

👋 Bye OPS-SAT 😢 ! Used for the first in-orbit #cybersecurity demo last year at CYSAT 🎖it showed how a "space lab" can improve space security processes and products. What's next 👇 🛰 RIP OPS-SAT: ESA's cubesat dedicated to in-orbit experiments burned up in Earth's atmosphere yesterday 🎇 Launched in 2019 with modern electronics (Linux!) and a full separation between the bus and the payload, it got famous after ethical #hackers from Thales managed to take control of the satellite 👉 replay of the demo presented at CYSAT 2023 here: ▶ https://lnkd.in/ejBHYP-T Although made of experienced pen testers on embedded systems, the Thales team did struggle to finetune their #attack due to very the specific constraints of a flying satellite. "It may be easy on a flatsat, but will be harder on the real sat." We had the chance at CYSEC to perform our first in-orbit testing of our ARCA SATLINK product on OPS-SAT in the Fall last year It allowed us to quickly validate and to measure the performance of our crypto software in the matter of a few weeks 🏃♂️ thanks to the support of the award-winning OPS-SAT team David Evans Dominik Marszk 👉 👉 OPS-SAT showed the clear benefits of having access to a flying lab to perform #offensive and #defensive security experiments. ❓ Now that OPS-SAT is gone, what's next ❓ ⚡ESA's OPS-SAT VOLT: ⚙Basically OPS-SAT gen 2. Same concept but better with #optical and #quantum communications, as well as other advanced payloads like cameras, imagers, and reconfigurable FPGAs. 📅 The mission is led by Craft Prospect and scheduled for launch in March 2026 🚀 Not sure it will be open to security experiments though 🤷♂️ 🎯 ESA's CyberCube mission: An initiative from the ESA Security Office: same same as OPS-SAT but dedicated to security 🤸♂️ ⚙ The CyberCube will be a 3/6U cubesat mission embarking an SDR, a GNSS receiver and a camera, 2 on-board processor + reprogrammable FPGAs. 📅 Scheduled for launch in December 2025 🚀 . It has two main goals: 1️⃣ Validate ESA's C-SOC RF, data monitoring and analysis capabilities of space assets. 2️⃣ Provide a flying testbed allowing in-orbit demonstration of new cyber technologies and host "a real CTF challenge" woohoo! ▶ More details about the CyberCube mission in Massimo Panzeri's keynote at CYSAT 2024, replay here: https://lnkd.in/e4aRiGKS Some great news then but also the need to be patient to bear for the operational gap between now and the commissioning of CyberCube / OPS-SAT VOLT ⌛⌛⌛ As always please feel free to correct me / complete in the comments! Illustration below from ESA (artist view of Aeolus reentry).

🚀🌐 Exciting news in optical communications! TESAT and MPB Communications achieved an important milestone in LEO to GEO data transmission, reaching speeds of 100 Gbps at 40 W optical power over a distance of 45,000 km in a laboratory environment at MPBC`s optical labs in Montreal, Canada. This simulation opens up new possibilities for high-speed data transfer in space communication. The successful demonstration of 100 Gbps data transmission at 40 W optical output power is a significant leap forward from the current capabilities of the European Data Relay Service. With this new performance level, the equivalent of 300 hours of music streaming can be transferred in just one second! 🎶💻 Supported by ESA Connectivity and Secure Communications contracts and implemented under the Optical & Quantum Communications - #ScyLight Strategic Program Line (wich forms part of the #ARTES programme), this achievement represents a significant advancement in space communication technology. The future looks bright for optical data relays, with endless possibilities for connectivity and secure communications in space. 🌌 Stay tuned for more exciting updates and advancements in satellite communication. 💫 For more infos follow 👇 https://lnkd.in/eWbxtDfU #TeamTESAT #Space #SpaceMatters

"A new, cheap, easily manufactured device could lead to improved satellite communication, high speed data transmission, and remote sensing, scientists say. A team of engineers led by researchers from the University of Glasgow have developed an ultrathin 2D surface that harnesses the unique properties of metamaterials to manipulate and convert radio waves across the frequencies most commonly used by satellites. Metamaterials are structures that have been carefully engineered to imbue them with properties that don't exist in naturally occurring materials." #metamaterials #6g #communications

This is a great story and a nice back up to #GPS. We are so, so dependent on that tech at this point! A nice use of #MATLAB and Satellite Communications Toolbox. https://lnkd.in/gzmhXYvx