Feasibility of Quantum‑Resistant Cryptography on Resource‑Constrained Satellites

Ascertain the feasibility of deploying quantum‑resistant cryptographic protocols on resource‑constrained satellite platforms used in integrated terrestrial–non‑terrestrial networks, including evaluation of algorithmic complexity, performance overhead, and energy usage under in‑orbit operating conditions.

Background

In discussing security for integrated terrestrial and non‑terrestrial networks, the paper considers adopting quantum‑resistant cryptographic protocols to future‑proof communications. Satellites, however, face stringent limits on power, processing, and thermal budgets, which may render such protocols impractical without careful assessment and optimization.

The authors explicitly note that the feasibility of quantum‑resistant cryptography in satellite environments remains to be evaluated, highlighting the need for rigorous analysis and potential lightweight alternatives in the interim.

References

While quantum-resistant cryptographic protocols represent a forward-looking approach, their feasibility in resource-constrained satellite environments remains subject to further evaluation.

— Space-O-RAN: Enabling Intelligent, Open, and Interoperable Non Terrestrial Networks in 6G  (2502.15936 - Baena et al., 21 Feb 2025) in Section 4 (Proposed Solution: Space-O-RAN) – Security and Interoperability subsection

However, several open issues remain in the realization of secure and resilient federated T-NTNs. These include the definition of interoperable, machine-readable security policies and SLAs across operators; scalable, privacy-preserving telemetry sharing for joint threat detection; and robust AI‑enabled defense mechanisms capable of operating under intermittent connectivity and constrained resources. In addition, the long-life cycles of satellites raise questions about crypto‑agility and long‑term resilience to emerging threats, such as large-scale quantum computing.

— Towards Federated, Green, and Resilient 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks  (2609.05184 - Babu et al., 4 Sep 2026) in Section IX, “Security, Privacy, and Resilience in Federated T-NTN,” immediately preceding subsection IX-A, “Experimental Results: Closed-Loop Automation”