Secure PKI implementation

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a framework of roles, policies, hardware, software, and procedures necessary to securely create, manage, and use digital certificates and public-key encryption. In spacecraft systems, PKI plays a critical role in securing communications, ensuring that only authorized entities can issue commands or access sensitive data. This is especially important for space-to-ground communication, inter-satellite links, and internal command authentication.

PKI enables strong authentication methods, far more secure than simple passwords, by binding public keys to the identities of spacecraft components, ground stations, or other authorized entities. This process is managed by a Certificate Authority (CA), which issues and manages digital certificates that verify identities and ensure the integrity of data transfers.

PKI for spacecraft typically involves the secure registration, issuance, and management of certificates.