Achieving Cryptographic Modernization Compliance for Reprogrammable Crypto in Space

The Department of Defense-directed and National Security Agency-led Cryptographic Modernization Initiative (CMI) mandates the use of space- borne reprogrammable cryptographic devices for future satellite systems. This cryptographic paradigm shift has revealed a void in the knowledge base currently used for implementation of cryptographic space products, because reprogrammability has not been addressed within the Defense community. This knowledge gap creates the need for a systems engineering-based process to enable a satellite system to achieve successful compliance with CMI, a process that this paper intends to address. The specific steps in the proposed process to achieve CMI compliance regarding the reprogrammability mandate include a review of existing policy, integration of government infrastructure and products, phasing in of technologies and functions related to reprogrammability, use case development, and requirements development. This process is envisioned as being leveraged on all future satellite systems requiring reprogrammability, including both commercial and government satellites. Additionally, this paper provides a rationale for a CMI Space Policy that will support future cryptographic development efforts. The goal of the proposed process is to create a CMI-compliant satellite system that does not sacrifice the satellite´s mission for the sake of compliance.