Encrypt/Decrypt COMSEC Unit for Space-based Command and Telemetry Applications

Abstract

This paper describes the system-level architecture and design concept of a communications security (COMSEC) equipment intended for space-based low data rate (< 1 Mbps) command and telemetry applications. The COMSEC Unit is a stand-alone piece of equipment which provides decryption of uplink command and control information and encryption of downlink telemetry data. The system-level architecture is described followed by an overview of the digital design concepts and a discussion of applications. Finally, although specifically targeted for narrowband command and telemetry applications, this design approach is flexible enough to accommodate other algorithms of choice as well as operate in higher data rate applications.