Photo: Leonardo DRS

Leonardo DRS conducted an on-orbit test of its multi-channel software-defined radio (SDR) with integrated advanced cryptography. 

The SDR, called the eXtended Crypto Module3-Space (XCM3-Space), was launched aboard the Mercury satellite by Proteus Space on the Transporter-15 mission in late November. Leonardo DRS confirmed this week the testbed met all primary objectives operating in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO). 

XCM3-Space adapts Leonardo’s next-generation crypto and multi-channel SDR capabilities to the space domain to address emerging cyber and electronic warfare threats to military satellite data transport. The company said this technology is designed to secure U.S. military satellite data transport at the tactical edge.

“Secure, flexible satellite data transport is the backbone of modern military operations,” said Larry Ezell, senior vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems. “Our investments in next-generation Low-Earth Orbit SDR provides a decisive leap forward, overcoming the limitations of legacy systems that are rigid and difficult to update once deployed. With crypto-enabled, fully reprogrammable architecture, this SDR is designed to support current and future secure transport needs.” 

A second system is scheduled for launch in 2026 to demonstrate additional edge processing and waveform capabilities.