NASA has conducted a drone flight test at its Ames Research Center in California to evaluate a blockchain-based system designed to protect flight data. This system aims to safeguard air traffic management from disruption and prevent interception or manipulation of data exchanged between aircraft and ground stations.
The aviation industry requires reliable and transparent data for safe operations. While existing systems protect flight data, evolving cyberthreats necessitate new approaches. Researchers found that the blockchain system could transmit and store information securely in real time.
Blockchain functions as a decentralized database, distributing information across a network. It records and verifies every change, ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and trustworthiness. This approach differs from previous cybersecurity research that focused on layered security architectures.
The use of drones allowed researchers to demonstrate the blockchain framework's benefits across several aviation development areas, including autonomous air traffic management, urban air mobility, and high-altitude aircraft operations.
NASA's research explored securing digital transactions between multiple systems and operators using an open-source blockchain framework. This framework enables trusted users to share and store critical data, such as aircraft operator registration, flight plans, and telemetry, in real time, with access restricted to approved parties.
During an August flight at Ames, the team introduced cybersecurity tests to assess and reinforce security during airspace operations. They utilized an Alta-X drone equipped with a custom software and hardware package, including a computer, radio, GPS, and battery. The test simulated a real-world drone flight environment, incorporating a ground control station and the blockchain/security infrastructure. The framework and protocols can support high-altitude operations (60,000 feet and above) and Urban Air Mobility, aiming for a more secure and scalable ecosystem.
NASA researchers will analyze the collected data to inform future work, benefiting U.S. aviation stakeholders seeking improved operational tools. This research is part of NASA's Air Traffic Management and Safety project, which aims to transform air traffic management systems to accommodate new air vehicles safely.