Mitigating Quantum Threats in Space Domain: Challenges and the Role of Post-Quantum Cryptography

As the role of space-based infrastructure becomes increasingly integrated with global communication, navigation, and data collection, cyber threats for attacks in the space domain expand, especially with the advent of quantum computing. Ground stations, space stations, payloads, and signal communications are vulnerable to quantum-enabled cyber threats that could undermine security and data integrity. This paper discusses the vulnerabilities that quantum computing poses to current cryptographic protocols and refocuses on implications for space domain systems. It analyzes the critical need to adopt post-quantum cryptography in order to secure space communications and minimize risks from quantum decryption. It further elaborates on the difficulties of PQC implementation within space-based systems, including issues related to resource constraints, system complexity, and integration with operational processes. This research provides key insights into some of the key practical considerations on how to maintain long-term secure space communications through a quantum-enabled future.