> except in very narrow circumstances
Usually it is for the uplink control for satellites. That you'd like to keep encrypted, so that someone does not hack your bird.
Usually it is for the uplink control for satellites. That you'd like to keep encrypted, so that someone does not hack your bird.
NASA requires any of its propulsive spacecraft within 2 million kilometers of Earth to protect their command uplink with encryption that is compliant with Level 1 of the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-3 (10). The FCC has also considered requiring encryption on the telemetry, tracking, and command communications as well as mission data for propulsive spacecraft, but decided not to incorporate a specific requirement at this time. A satellite with an amateur license cannot encrypt transmissions in any way and must consist of open information. The eligibility rules are listed in 47 CFR Part 97.