Cybersecurity by design for mixed criticality embedded systems

The objective of the activity is to design and develop a real-time operating system for spacecraft microprocessor platforms with demanding security and safety requirements, capable to safely and securely execute applications with different assurance levels (mixed criticality) concurrently. 

Given the unstoppable trend towards more software-driven (defined) system components as well as system safety and security awareness, dependence on on-board SW platform for mission safety and security will become critical. A new development to enhance the security of low-cost software platform solutions is considered essential. Requirements like dependability, scalability, obsolescence and re-usability shall be taken into account as well. The intended work includes the following tasks:This new development will build on microprocessor platforms (System-on-Chip or SoC) as developed by the EU DAHLIA (Deep sub micron microprocessor for space rad-Hard application ASIC) programme that will be integrated in the NG-ULTRA SoC FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).Separation of applications will be ensured by means of time and space partitioning. A partition is a logical container created and maintained by the operating system. Resources will be allocated according to partition configuration (e.g. memory, CPU time, I/O access rights).Key drivers are re-usability and ability to support the Space Avionics Open Interface Architecture (SAVOIR).Validation of this new operating system with respect to security.