A Blockchain-based Reputation System for Small Satellite Relay Networks

Currently, space communications networks are attempting to move away from large geostationary (GEO) satellites towards large constellations of small satellites. This trend is observed both in government and commercial communications satellites. By relaying data across multiple constellations/networks, we may be able to reduce end-to-end latencies and reduce burden (mass, power, cost) for all users. However, this is only possible if networks across constellations can establish inter-satellite authentication and trust. The key to this trust is based on demonstrated ability of the relay satellites to meet performance requirements, i.e. “reputation.” In this work, we propose leveraging distributed ledger technologies (i.e. blockchains) to develop a secure, decentralized reputation system for satellite relay networks. This informs a reputation-aware routing protocol and reduces the average data latency across the network. In this paper, we discuss designing the blockchain-based reputation system and routing protocol. We then analyze the resultant network performance with respect to average latency, computational complexity, and storage considerations for a variety of use cases.