"Virginia Tech, George Mason University Partner to Develop Networking Infrastructure for Satellite Constellations"
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $2 million to Virginia Tech and George Mason University to develop distributed, mobile space and terrestrial networking infrastructure for multi-constellation coexistence. This work will be done through the agency's Computer and Information Science and Engineering Community Research Infrastructure (CCRI) program. Through developing the fundamental infrastructure and implementing cybersecurity protocols, the researchers hope to demonstrate the value and practicality of an open-source inter-constellation network with global benefits. The team will investigate software vulnerabilities and the physical security of satellites, ground stations, and more in order to ensure that future space communications remain secure from hacking or cyber threats. This article continues to discuss Virginia Tech and George Mason University teaming up to develop an open-source cyber-infrastructure and new space-based networking technology, and what they will do to bolster cybersecurity.