LinkPrint – Physical-Layer RF Fingerprinting Authentication for SatCom

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

European Space Agency

Role: Co-Lead (SnT – SIGCOM / 6GSPACE Lab)
Funding: European Space Agency (ESA ARTES Future Preparation – FP)
Official Page: uni.lu/snt-en/research-projects/linkprint/

Executive Summary

LinkPrint is a European Space Agency (ESA ARTES FP) research project focused on physical-layer authentication of satellite payloads and ground terminals using Radio Frequency Fingerprinting Identification (RFFI). By exploiting unique, immutable analog hardware impairments in transmitter front-ends (such as I/Q imbalance, phase noise, and power amplifier non-linearities), LinkPrint detects spoofing and unauthorized access before higher-layer cryptographic processing.

Key Objectives & Contributions

Deep-Learning & Self-Supervised RFFI: Multi-branch Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and self-supervised representation learning over raw baseband I/Q satellite captures.
Channel-Robust Feature Extraction: Separating transmitter-specific hardware signatures from dynamic LEO/MEO/GEO Doppler shifts and atmospheric fading.
Over-the-Satellite Validation: Live experimental evaluation using the 6GSPACE Lab multi-band ground station and USRP SDR recording infrastructure.

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RF Fingerprinting | Dr. Jorge Querol

LinkPrint – Physical-Layer RF Fingerprinting Authentication for SatCom

Executive Summary

Key Objectives & Contributions