Secure Tasking of Commercial Assets

The DON26BZ03-NV062 project aims to develop a secure intercommunication capability between government and commercial satellites. The Navy requires the ability to task commercial satellites at Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)/Information Level-5 (IL-5) and Secret Level (IL-6) for sensitive missions, a security level not typically offered by commercial providers. The solution will involve leveraging both government and commercial technologies, including end-to-end encryption, secure data transfer protocols, blockchain-based authentication, and quantum-resistant cryptography. The project emphasizes establishing secure methods for tasking commercial satellites at required CUI levels, with subsequent efforts focused on reducing tasking latency by 90%. The technology will be evaluated in a simulated environment against NIST standards. Phase I involves concept development and feasibility demonstration. Phase II focuses on prototype development and core functionality demonstration, with the likelihood of work becoming classified. Phase III will support the transition of the system to operational use within the Navy, with dual-use potential for commercial sectors requiring secure satellite tasking and data transfer for sensitive information.