L3Harris has achieved NSA Cybersecurity Directorate certification for its KSV-650 space hub end cryptographic unit, ensuring secure, adaptable communications for military operations. Certification is required in order for operation of the unit’s on-orbit reprogrammability, which protects against emerging cyber threats, providing resilient and reliable SATCOM services to the warfighter that safeguard national security and ensure secure connectivity for mission-critical operations. The certification represents the culmination of a multi-year development program as part of the Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS) Space Hub Integrated Cryptographic Unit-Leading-Edge Development (SHIELD) program and continues L3Harris’ legacy of leadership in advancing secure communication technologies and protecting the nation from emerging cyber threats.
Revolutionizing Security: The Impact of KSV-650 and Agile Cryptography
The KSV-650 is the first NSA-certified, fully on-orbit reprogrammable high-assurance cryptographic platform. It meets the mandate of National Security Memorandum 10 to shift to "agile cryptography" instead of relying on fixed, ASIC-based implementations. Cyber survivability and resiliency are inherent in its design, which allows for regular secure software updates throughout the mission life. These software updates allow for advancing protection against emerging threats enabled by advancements in AI/ML technologies and cryptographically relevant quantum computing. The system's modular architecture enables streamlined adaptation to meet near-term mission needs and continued evolution to address new capability needs. Achieving this certification enables the operation of Protected Anti-Jam Tactical Satellite Communications (PATS) space-based communications hubs.
Protected Anti-Jam Tactical Satellite Communications
PATS is a global system designed to provide resilient SATCOM services to warfighters in both benign and contested environments, addressing a critical capability need for the DoW enterprise. PATS leverages the newly L3Harris-developed and certified KSV-650 in the PTS space payload to enable communicating between user sites via terminal modems, which are also being developed and NSA certified by L3Harris. These units provide Transmission Security (TRANSEC) and cover for the government developed Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW).
L3Harris and SHIELD: Pioneering Secure Space Solutions
In 2019, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) selected L3Harris to develop the KSV-650 for the PTS SHIELD program. The program implements PTW over a fully processed satellite payload, enabling adaptive, anti-jam communications channels that provide protection for tactical U.S. and coalition/international partner warfighting efforts. At the completion of the L3Harris program, the KSV-650 has been NSA-certified, space-flight qualified and successfully transitioned to production.
L3Harris was chosen by the USSF’s Space Systems Command to develop the cryptography based on its low-risk innovative solution, early demonstration of PTW cryptography, and 40-plus year legacy of developing and fielding high-assurance cryptographic devices for national security space systems, including AEHF, EPS/EPS-R, MUOS, SBIRS and OPIR programs.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Secure Communications
With the KSV-650 certification, L3Harris continues to build on its heritage of leading the advancement of cryptographic solutions for national security. The certification enables the use of agile, adaptable and advanced secure communication technologies by the USSF and its coalition partners and sets a new standard for future cryptographic solutions moving forward.
