AI for Secure Space Communication

As space communication systems evolve toward intelligent, interconnected networks, ensuring security across satellite, IoT, and ground segments has become critical. This lecture focuses on how Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning can enhance the cybersecurity and resiliency of space communication infrastructures.

Dr. Kumar introduces the architecture of emerging Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks and the associated vulnerabilities, including signal spoofing, jamming, and cross-domain cyberattacks. Building upon his research and collaborations with the Air Force Research Laboratory, he explains how AI techniques such as anomaly detection, federated learning, and reinforcement learning can be applied to protect data confidentiality, integrity, and availability in space systems.

The talk highlights recent breakthroughs, including AI-driven intrusion detection for software-defined satellite networks and blockchain-enabled secure telemetry. Attendees will gain insights into federated learning for multi-satellite coordination, zero-trust architectures, and quantum-resilient communication protocols. The lecture concludes with a discussion of policy implications and how space cybersecurity research connects to the broader goals of AI assurance and national defense innovation.