Secure Path to the Stars: Strengthening Cybersecurity in Hybrid Space Networks

This Challenge notice is issued under the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Program Call for Proposals (CFP) Call 006 (W7714-248676/A). Solicitation Documents reference: See bidding details section. *For additional general information on the IDEaS Program, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/defence-ideas.html _____________ This challenge is open to receive proposals for Component 1a, Component 1b and Component 2. Proposed solutions that fall within technology readiness levels (TRL) 1-9 can be submitted to this challenge. Steps to apply: Step 1: read this challenge Step 2: read the Call for Proposals : See bidding details section Step 3: propose your solution here : https://defence-innovation-portal.my.site.com/ _____________ Maximum Funding and Performance Period Multiple contracts could result from this Challenge. The individual maximum contract funding available under Component 1a (TRL 1-3) is up to $250,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes) for a maximum performance period of up to 6 months. The maximum individual contract funding available under Component 1b (TRL 4-5) is up to $1,500,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes) for a maximum performance period of 12 months. The maximum individual contract funding available under Component 2 (TRL 6-9) is up to $5,000,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes). The period of performance will be determined at the time of contract negotiation. The maximum individual contractual funding and the maximum performance period offered under Component 3 will be determined by Canada at the time of contract negotiation. This disclosure is made in good faith and does not commit Canada to contract for the total approximate funding. _____________ Challenge Details Challenge Title: W7714-248676/011 – Secure Path to the Stars: Strengthening Cybersecurity in Hybrid Space Networks The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) re seeking innovative research and development (R&D) solutions to support the evolution of Hybrid Space Networks (HSNs) that are secure, resilient, and able to operate in contested environments.. As these HSNs will integrate communications, sensing, and command and control capabilities, the end-to-end cybersecurity will be key in providing secure operations and information flows to, from and between space-based and ground-based nodes. Background and Context Modern defence operations depend on the ability to collect, process and distribute large volumes of data from diverse sources in near real time. This capability is essential to ensure domain awareness and effective command and control. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations are expected to play a key role in meeting these requirements by enabling HSNs with high throughput, low latency, and global coverage. These networks must be able to adapt to changing dynamic traffic demands to transport data through different segments. HSN architectural robustness and resilience under dynamic traffic load and segment failure conditions are of particular importance. This challenge focuses on the creation of a laboratory-based “flatsat” platform—a ground-based satellite test system that integrates key satellite subsystems and enables controlled cybersecurity. The “flatsat” will support the design, testing, and validation of secure satellite software and hardware architectures, as well as cyber defense mechanisms. To enable a wide range of cybersecurity experiments, the flatsat should integrate multiple and type-diverse payloads , rather than the one or two payloads typically found on operational satellites. Examples of payloads may include: • Communication • Remote observation • Navigation • Scientific measurements • Weather and meteorology • Any other type-specific payload or combination thereof As there are a variety of strategies and methods that could be proposed in meeting this challenge, DND/CAF is providing some guidance to Offerors based on experiences with flatsats: Examples of proposal types (Typical approximate budgets and timelines) A flatsat that integrates five (5) or more payloads - Up to $1,250,000 and a length of 6-12 months A flatsat that integrates three (3) or four (4) payloads - Between $500,000 and $1,000,000 and a length of 6-12 months A flatsat with two (2) payloads - Between $100,000 and $400,000 and a length of 6-12 months Essential Outcomes Proposed solutions must deliver a flatsat platform that meets the following criteria: Function criteria • Utilizes subsystems that replicate the full and proven functionality of those used in operational satellites • Utilizes at least two (2) payloads, one of them being communications Fit criteria • Will measure no more than 2.5m x 2.5m in a laboratory floor space • Will feature a hardware layout that allows easy access for instrumentation and testing Form criteria • Includes a telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) module accessible via a wired interface • Includes communications payload accessible via a wired interface • Implements a modular, reconfigurable and reprogrammable software architecture that supports software/firmware patching and hardware component replacement • Provides administrative capabilities for health monitoring, bus input/output, configuration, and secure software updates via a wired interface Desired Outcomes Proposed solutions should include one or more of the following: • Exploration of security concepts for hardening hybrid space networks. • Development and demonstration of novel cybersecurity protection mechanisms. • Creation of a remote-access environment to support cybersecurity competitions and training exercises • Utilization of more than two (2) payloads. Each additional payload adds to the innovation and technical merits.