The project proposed by Orbit Logic and the Fraunhofer Center in the United States, SCRAMBL, has won funding from NASA to develop a blockchain-based solution for space communications. 

The space research company OrbitLogic and Fraunhofer USA Research Center for Experimental Software Engineering they designed a proposal for the development of space communications through technology blockchain. Titled “Space Communication Reconstruction and Mapping with Blockchain Ledgering” (SCRAMBL)The project seeks to implement blockchain technology for the propagation of data and information between and across a network of satellites. In addition, the proposal seeks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of aerospace communications, as well as the coordination and “general awareness” of space networks.

For the development of this proposal, NASA approved resources in the order of $124.800 USD, which will be allocated to the development of the proposal and the writing of the SCRAMBL white paper. In this white paper, the developers must describe in detail how the blockchain solution will allow for improved space communications through the satellite network. 

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Key objectives of the SCRAMBL project

First, the SCRAMBL project seeks to leverage the potential of blockchain technology to design a ledger that stores all the information and data shared across the satellite network, while also allowing the distribution of all this data and information across the same network. 

Likewise, with the implementation of blockchain technology, the ledger is intended to record and store a complete and detailed inventory of all communication routes established in the connection status changes published by the spacecraft, in addition to storing all events, states, objectives and plans that constitute the common relevant operational image (CROP TOP); a figure that is essential for the knowledge and coordination of a spatial network. 

In order to ensure the flexibility and efficiency of the SCRAMBL project, it will be implemented as a lightweight solution in line with the limited resources of spacecraft, where nodes connected to each other will reinforce any communication failures that may occur. For example, if a node in the network fails or presents any problems, the rest of the operational nodes will immediately adapt quickly and dynamically so as not to interrupt communications. 

The underlying algorithm to be developed in the ledger will allow the system's network graph to be routinely assessed and repaired, so that any node on the spacecraft can determine the most efficient method of routing a message to any of the other nodes on the network. Likewise, the adaptability of the project's dynamic network will prevent any interruption or disconnection in spacecraft communications, ensuring direct communication between two or more spacecraft. 

Other implementations of blockchain technology

Since 2019, NASA has been developing a series of tests and experiments with blockchain technology in order to establish secure and stable communications in space. In January of last year, the government agency published a release reporting on the implementation of blockchain technology in a new air traffic system to ensure the privacy and anonymity of aircraft, while helping to provide a secure and efficient method for establishing communications with air traffic services. 

The prototype of this project is based on the blockchain of Hyperledger Fabric and presents support of smart contracts (smart contracts) to ensure secure communication channels where information is shared and distributed according to the terms established within the contracts. 

So far, NASA has been quite optimistic about using and implementing this technology to improve communication channels, aircraft and spacecraft coordination, and much more. 

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