Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Graduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Mohammad Tasrif Khan, Graduate Student
Lead Presenter's Name
Mohammad Tasrif Khan
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Maj Nicholas Wright
Abstract
With growing interdependence among satellite networks, the threat of cyber attacks on satellites can have grave consequences. To make satellite networks resilient to cyber intrusions, a solid mathematical umbrella that encompasses orbital mechanics, linear algebra, graph theory, game theory, and optimization is necessary. The paper proposes a new approach for modeling and mitigating cybersecurity threats to space operations, with a specific focus on satellite network robustness improvement. Using the principles of orbital mechanics, the research models the trajectories of satellites and their effect on the dynamic spread of cyber threats along links between on-board satellites. These insights are grounded in differential equations based on orbital state vectors regarding how positional and velocity components affect the behavior of malicious intrusions. Using linear algebra, the satellite constellation is represented as a weighted adjacency matrix, and the eigenvalues are analyzed to find critical nodes and vulnerabilities. Moreover, matrix decomposition techniques are employed for detecting anomalies in communication protocols, which will augment the robustness of being attacked by cyber threats. Utilizing graph theory, we analyze the satellite network to detect key nodes in terms of satellites and ground stations, which are under the highest risk of attacks. Exploiting game theory, whereas the interactions between an attacker and a defender are possible, enables creating countermeasures in anticipation of further actions taken by the attacker. It is within this realm that optimization methodologies come into play, aiding in the distribution of constrained cybersecurity resources (for instance, encryption protocols and firewalls), guaranteeing their systematic appropriation and maximizing overall system fortitude. This research incorporates different branches of mathematics to develop a synergistic framework for safeguarding satellite constellations utilized in GPS, telecommunications, Earth observation, and various other important functions. Finally, the proposed framework highlights the critical role of interdisciplinary mathematical modeling in tackling the unique challenges related to the cybersecurity of space systems. This approach, which is scalable, presents a pathway for risk mitigation and improved resilience for space-based infrastructure in an age of rising cyber threats.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Spark Grant
Mathematical Modeling of Space Operations: Optimizing Satellite Network Resilence
With growing interdependence among satellite networks, the threat of cyber attacks on satellites can have grave consequences. To make satellite networks resilient to cyber intrusions, a solid mathematical umbrella that encompasses orbital mechanics, linear algebra, graph theory, game theory, and optimization is necessary. The paper proposes a new approach for modeling and mitigating cybersecurity threats to space operations, with a specific focus on satellite network robustness improvement. Using the principles of orbital mechanics, the research models the trajectories of satellites and their effect on the dynamic spread of cyber threats along links between on-board satellites. These insights are grounded in differential equations based on orbital state vectors regarding how positional and velocity components affect the behavior of malicious intrusions. Using linear algebra, the satellite constellation is represented as a weighted adjacency matrix, and the eigenvalues are analyzed to find critical nodes and vulnerabilities. Moreover, matrix decomposition techniques are employed for detecting anomalies in communication protocols, which will augment the robustness of being attacked by cyber threats. Utilizing graph theory, we analyze the satellite network to detect key nodes in terms of satellites and ground stations, which are under the highest risk of attacks. Exploiting game theory, whereas the interactions between an attacker and a defender are possible, enables creating countermeasures in anticipation of further actions taken by the attacker. It is within this realm that optimization methodologies come into play, aiding in the distribution of constrained cybersecurity resources (for instance, encryption protocols and firewalls), guaranteeing their systematic appropriation and maximizing overall system fortitude. This research incorporates different branches of mathematics to develop a synergistic framework for safeguarding satellite constellations utilized in GPS, telecommunications, Earth observation, and various other important functions. Finally, the proposed framework highlights the critical role of interdisciplinary mathematical modeling in tackling the unique challenges related to the cybersecurity of space systems. This approach, which is scalable, presents a pathway for risk mitigation and improved resilience for space-based infrastructure in an age of rising cyber threats.