Methods for securing spacecraft tasking and control via an enterprise Ethereum blockchain

Integration of space-based communications infrastructure within 5G networks presents specific challenges for spacecraft, namely a necessary rationalization of currently patchy communications security and the assurance of identity when conducting high-level spacecraft tasking and control operations. This chapter presents approaches to addressing both issues via the deployment of an enterprise Ethereum blockchain modified with a consensus algorithm appropriate for access by spacecraft. We discuss the applicability of enterprise Ethereum blockchains to the problem of spacecraft communication security, analyze the properties of block-chain consensus algorithms suitable for use with spacecraft, and suggest information architectures to allow secure spacecraft integration into 5G networks.