Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: This paper examines the effects of replay attacks on the integrity of both uplink and downlink communications during critical phases of spacecraft communication. By combining software-defined radios (SDRs) with a real-time channel emulator, we replicate realistic attack conditions on the Orion spacecraft's communication systems in both launch and reentry. Our evaluation shows that, under replay attacks, the attacker's signal can overpower legitimate transmissions, leading to a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) difference of up to -7.8 dB during reentry and -6.5 dB during launch. To mitigate these threats, we propose a more secure receiver design incorporating a phase-coherency-dependent decision-directed (DD) equalizer with a narrowed phase-locked loop (PLL) bandwidth. This configuration enhances resilience by making synchronization more sensitive to phase distortions caused by replay interference.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Benchoubane, Nesrine, Guven, Eray, Kurt, Gunes Karabulut
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6979312682
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