Securing Satellite Communications: Real-Time Video Encryption Scheme on Satellite Payloads

Abstract: The rapid development of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations and satellite communication systems has elevated the importance of secure video transmission, which is the key to applications such as remote sensing, disaster relief, and secure information exchange. In this context, three serious issues arise concerning real-time encryption of videos on satellite embedded devices: (a) the challenge of achieving real-time performance; (b) the limitations posed by the constrained computing performance of satellite payloads; and (c) the potential for excessive power consumption leading to overheating, thereby escalating safety risks. To overcome these challenges, this study introduced a novel approach for encrypting videos by employing two 1D chaotic maps, which was deployed on a satellite for the first time. The experiment on the satellite confirms that our scheme is suitable for complex satellite environments. In addition, the proposed chaotic maps were implemented on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platform, and simulation results showed consistency with those obtained on a Raspberry Pi. Experiments on the Raspberry Pi 4B demonstrate exceptional real-time performance and low power consumption, validating both the hardware feasibility and the stability of our design. Rigorous statistical testing also confirms the scheme's resilience against a variety of attacks, underscoring its potential for secure, real-time data transmission in satellite communication systems.