These technologies are essential for ensuring the integrity and security of digital components and system configurations in space and satellite infrastructures.

Xiphera’s approach utilises hybrid cryptography, combining traditional methods with Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), to safeguard the system’s security throughout its operational lifespan. The project is being partially funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under its General Support Technology Programme (GSTP).

The solutions are being developed in collaboration with Frontgrade Gaisler, a leading Swedish developer of space-grade electronics. The Authenticated Boot solution is set to be integrated into Frontgrade Gaisler’s GR765 space-grade processor.

These technologies are part of Xiphera’s nQrux family of Hardware Trust Engines, offering optimised and customisable security solutions for Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). The first product in this series, nQrux Secure Boot, is now available to semiconductor and equipment vendors in the space industry, as well as other critical infrastructure sectors.

“The ESA project will increase European digital sovereignty and resilience both in the supply chain and underlying technology. Our IP cores have always been secure by design, and the complex solutions developed in this project require careful system design methodology” says Petri Jehkonen, Xiphera’s Director of Strategic Programs. “In addition to delivering first class cryptographic algorithms and security protocols, the technology we develop must be compatible with space-grade ASIC manufacturing processes. Xiphera’s solutions are designed in pure digital logic without any hidden software components. This benefit is emphasised particularly in space-grade applications, where software components typically require significantly more complicated validation and certification paths.”

“The integration of Xiphera technology in our next-generation GR765 octa-core SoC provides the foundation to build systems that are resilient against cybersecurity threats,” says Jan Andersson Nerén, Director of Engineering at Frontgrade Gaisler. “This collaboration allows our customers to meet stricter requirements while minimising impact on development effort. It also allows them to tackle both present and future challenges, including those posed by quantum computing.”

“Security elements are required today in most space systems. Sensitive elements uploaded over the air, such as software, FPGA bitstreams and telecommands need to be authenticated. Mission data, if confidential or of commercial value, must be encrypted. We are looking forward to working with Xiphera to develop quantum-resistant secure IP cores for space processing chips, namely microprocessors and FPGA,” says Roland Weigand from Microelectronics Section at ESA.