About

About the Project

COSMOS-SECURE addresses the future security of voice communication in space environments.

Purpose

Project Purpose

The purpose of COSMOS-SECURE is to research post-quantum cryptographic protection and efficient communication interfaces for voice communication in space environments. The project focuses on secure communication between ground personnel and astronauts on space stations or spacecraft, as well as between ground stations communicating through satellite networks.

Context

Why Secure Space Voice Communication Matters

Voice communication is a critical component of space missions. It enables coordination of crews, transmission of commands, operational decision-making, and communication between astronauts, spacecraft, satellites, and ground control centers. Space communication environments introduce challenges such as signal delay, electromagnetic interference, reliability requirements, and limited operational margins.

As quantum computing develops, many currently used cryptographic methods may become vulnerable. COSMOS-SECURE therefore investigates post-quantum approaches designed to support the long-term confidentiality, integrity, and resilience of space communication.

Goals

Main Objectives

  • 1Research post-quantum cryptographic algorithms for space voice communication
  • 2Explore efficient communication interfaces for voice communication in space
  • 3Support compatibility with existing satellite and mission-critical communication infrastructure
  • 4Validate selected approaches in laboratory and simulated space communication environments
  • 5Prepare knowledge, documentation, and methodologies for future development and certification

Project facts

Project Information

Project acronym
COSMOS-SECURE
Formal title
Bezpečná komunikácia vo vesmírnom výskume
English title
Secure Communication in Space Research
Applicant / Coordinator
Decent Cybersecurity s. r. o.
Project partner
FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services s. r. o.
Project code
NFP401101C907
Programme
Programme Slovakia
Fund
European Regional Development Fund
Total eligible expenditure
€4,144,273.37
Requested non-repayable financial contribution
€2,981,048.65
Implementation period
01/2026 – 12/2029
Place of implementation
Piešťany, Slovak Republic

Strategy

Strategic Relevance

The project contributes to research and innovation in cybersecurity, cryptography, and space communication. It is aligned with the need to strengthen European resilience in critical digital and space-related infrastructure and with the transition towards post-quantum cryptography.