ISO 15887-2013 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 15887:2013 — Space data and information transfer systems — Lossless data compression. This International Standard specifies a source-coding (lossless) data-compression algorithm and the method for inserting compressed data into source packets for reliable retrieval and decoding in space data systems. It is intended to support multi-mission interoperability for both imaging and non-imaging digital data where no distortion may be introduced by compression.

Abstract

ISO 15887:2013 establishes requirements for lossless source coding applied to digital data in space data and information transfer systems. The standard describes the characteristics and packet insertion rules needed to enable reduced bandwidth, buffering and storage requirements without loss of information. It limits its scope to lossless compression (no distortion) and does not prescribe decoder designs; related performance discussion references CCSDS guidance.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: June 2013
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space systems and operations)
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2013)
• Number of pages: 41

Scope

The standard applies to lossless source coding for a wide range of digital data used in space systems, covering both imaging and non-imaging data where the application requires exact recoverability. It specifies how compressed data are to be formatted and placed into source packets for transmission and retrieval, and addresses only the compression (coding) side; decoder implementation and exhaustive performance quantification are outside the normative scope (some performance guidance is available from CCSDS publications referenced in the standard).

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of a lossless source-coding algorithm suitable for space data systems.
• Rules for insertion of compressed data into source packets to ensure multi-mission interoperability.
• Requirements to preserve exact data recoverability (no distortion introduced by compression).
• Guidance on applicability to both imaging and non-imaging data types.
• Reference to related CCSDS guidance for performance considerations (non-normative).

Typical use and users

Engineers and architects working on spacecraft data-handling systems, mission systems engineers, ground-segment developers, payload data managers, and standards specialists use ISO 15887:2013 when selecting or implementing lossless compression and packetization schemes to ensure interoperability across missions and ground systems.

Related standards

ISO 15887:2013 supersedes ISO 15887:2000 (withdrawn). It is aligned with and references CCSDS recommendations and guidance on data compression and may be used alongside other CCSDS and ISO standards for space data systems (ISO/TC 20/SC 13 work items).

Keywords

lossless compression, source coding, space data systems, packetization, CCSDS, data compression, space telemetry, ISO/TC 20/SC 13

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 15887:2013 is an International Standard that specifies a lossless source-coding data-compression algorithm and rules for inserting compressed data into source packets for space data and information transfer systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers lossless compression (no distortion permitted) for digital data used in space systems, packet insertion rules to support multi-mission use, and normative requirements for the coding/packet format. Decoder design and detailed performance benchmarking are outside its normative requirements (related CCSDS documents provide additional performance guidance).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Space industry professionals — spacecraft and payload systems engineers, ground-segment developers, data systems architects, and standards teams — who need to implement or specify lossless compression and packetization for space missions.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 15887:2013 is the second edition published in 2013 and replaced the 2000 edition. The earlier ISO 15887:2000 and its corrigendum were withdrawn when the 2013 edition was published.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It forms part of the body of ISO standards and ISO/TC 20/SC 13 work on space data and information transfer systems and is commonly used alongside CCSDS recommendations addressing data compression and space data systems.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Lossless data compression; source coding; space data systems; packetization; CCSDS; telemetry; data integrity.