Satellite ground station testing and security

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Ensuring secure satellite ground station operation

Teleport providers and satellite operators enable smooth data exchange between the space and ground segments. They ensure trouble-free operation at every stage - from network design and transmission planning to transponder usage optimization.

The improved performance of modern satellites requires technological changes and investments in the ground segment to enable the processing of higher data rates in the future. An important upcoming development is the digitalization and virtualization of ground stations. This means that current analog intermediate frequencies will be digitized so that the data can be easily forwarded via standard IP networks. The Digital Intermediate Frequency Interoperability (DIFI) Consortium is working on an open industry standard to improve interoperability, maintainability and modernization options.

With our innovative T&M and security solutions, we at Rohde & Schwarz support teleport and satellite operators with the demanding tasks of planning, operating and maintaining ground stations.

Satellite ground station testing and security challenges

Satellite operators are facing significant challenges with the introduction of new technologies and increased competition. With innovations such as software-defined satellites and high-throughput satellites (HTS), traditional methods of managing ground operations are proving to lack flexibility. Swift adaptation by leveraging virtualization, orchestration and SD-WAN technologies to match the agility of these new satellite systems will be required.

In addition, the satellite communications landscape is being reshaped by new companies that are driving rapid changes in pricing and service offerings, such as ground station-as-a-service (GSaaS). The imminent launch of more low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations further intensifies competition, challenging the economic viability and value proposition of many teleport operations

Ground station RF testing challenges

Ground stations operate in electromagnetic environments, e.g., 5G base stations, which can affect operations. Therefore, observing the frequency spectrum and locating interference are very important. In addition, sending and receiving paths must be monitored so that in the event of an error, the issue can be quickly found and corrected.

Typical measurements are:

Maintenance and calibration of ground station equipment
Antenna and cable measurements, e.g., distance to fault
Spectrum monitoring and interference hunting
Coexistence testing, e.g., 5G in C band
Antenna pointing
Link quality measurement
Microwave remote sensing

Ground station security challenges

Teleports are integral components of a ground station network. They are constantly interfacing with the internet. This makes them susceptible to various cyber threats. These vulnerabilities necessitate robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information and ensure the integrity of communication channels. In addition, physical security is crucial for teleport facilities to thwart unauthorized access to critical equipment and infrastructure and mitigate the risk of tampering or sabotage, e.g., by drones.

Other cybersecurity concerns include:

Internet of things (IoT) security: IoT devices can be exploited as entry points into a network, leading to potential security breaches.
Secure communication links: This includes protecting against jamming, spoofing and other forms of interference.
Cryptography challenges: The security solutions related to the link layer of SATCOM systems must be updated to reflect advancements in attacker capabilities.
Emerging technologies: New technologies and services, such as software-defined satellites and high-throughput satellites (HTS), require updated security techniques and solutions.