ASTRA Methodology
Six phases. Sequential with one exception.
Phase Sequence
Phases A through E are sequential — each produces intelligence that the next phase requires. Phase F is non-linear. It operates in two modes that wrap around the engagement cycle:
F (pre-engagement) → informs → D (decision) → E (engagement)
↓
F (post-engagement)
- Pre-engagement intelligence (Phase F, Mode 1): Firmware extraction, reverse engineering, vulnerability discovery. This must be completed before Phase D can produce reliable countermeasure recommendations.
- Post-engagement forensics (Phase F, Mode 2): Mission log recovery, component attribution, operational intelligence. This follows Phase E when a platform is recovered.
Specter (continuous passive collection) runs across all phases as a persistent thread — not just during Phase A.
Phases
| Phase | Name | Output | Feeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Detection | RF, acoustic, radar signatures | Phase B classification |
| B | Identification | Platform type, firmware version, protocol stack | Phase C tracking parameters, Phase D vulnerability profile |
| C | Tracking | Position, bearing, velocity estimates | Phase E targeting data |
| D | Decision | Ranked countermeasure list with success probability | Phase E engagement plan |
| E | Engagement | Countermeasure execution, measured results | Database update, Phase F post-engagement |
| F | Exploitation | Pre: vulnerability intelligence. Post: attribution data | Pre feeds D and E. Post feeds intelligence analysis |
Relationship to Technique Categories
The six phases describe when and in what order. The five technique categories (Specter, Mirage, Fracture, Override, Sever) describe what kind of action. They are orthogonal:
- Phase A (Detection) primarily employs Specter techniques
- Phase E (Engagement) employs Mirage, Fracture, Override, or Sever depending on the target
- Specter runs continuously across all phases — it provides real-time feedback during engagement and maintains environmental awareness between engagements
The phases are a timeline. The technique categories are a toolbox. Phase D selects from the toolbox based on what the timeline has revealed.