ISO 22645-2016 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 22645:2016 — Space data and information transfer systems — TM (telemetry) space data link protocol. This International Standard specifies the telemetry (TM) space data link protocol used for data-link-layer transfer of telemetry information over space-to-ground and space-to-space communication links.

Abstract

ISO 22645:2016 defines the TM Space Data Link Protocol in terms of the services provided to protocol users, the protocol data units (PDUs) used by the protocol, and the procedures performed by the protocol. The standard intentionally does not prescribe specific implementations, technologies for implementing the procedures, or management/configuration activities for particular systems.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed on review).
• Publication date: November 2016 (Edition 2).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space data and information transfer systems).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2016).
• Number of pages: 100.

Scope

This standard specifies a data-link-layer protocol (the TM Space Data Link Protocol) intended for use by space missions to transfer telemetry data reliably and interoperably across space-to-ground and space-to-space links. It defines user services, data unit formats and the procedures (frame formation, transfer and processing) required to operate the TM data link. It does not define physical-layer technologies, specific implementation designs, or administrative/operational management tasks beyond the protocol behaviour required for interoperability.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of user services provided by the TM data-link layer (how upper-layer telemetry users access transfer services).
• Specification of protocol data units (TM transfer frames / PDUs) including required fields and formats.
• Procedures for frame generation, sequence control and processing at sender and receiver ends.
• Frame handling functions such as segmentation/concatenation, identification, and status reporting.
• Error-detection considerations and the protocol’s responsibilities related to reliable transfer (what is specified at the data-link layer vs. left to other layers).
• Interoperability focus: mapping of protocol behaviour to different link technologies without mandating specific implementations.
• Normative relationship to space communications recommendations (alignment with CCSDS space data link recommendations and related ISO space-data standards).

Typical use and users

Primary users are space systems engineers, spacecraft/ground-segment communications designers, mission system architects, satellite operators and contractors implementing telemetry link software and firmware. The standard is used when specifying mission communications interfaces, writing interface control documents (ICDs), developing flight or ground-segment software that assembles or processes TM frames, and when establishing interoperability between agencies and ground stations.

Related standards

Closely related standards include other ISO space-data publications (for example ISO standards addressing synchronization and channel coding, AOS data-link protocol variants and other members of the ISO 2264x family) and CCSDS recommended standards for TM space data link and associated channel coding/synchronization documents. National and regional adoptions and ECSS/CCSDS-based documents that adopt or adapt the TM data-link recommendations are also commonly referenced when implementing this standard.

Keywords

telemetry, TM, space data link, data link protocol, transfer frame, spacecraft communications, telemetry frame, CCSDS, ISO 22645

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 22645:2016 is the International Standard that defines the TM (telemetry) Space Data Link Protocol — a data-link-layer protocol for transferring telemetry over space links.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the services the TM data link must provide, the protocol data units (transfer frames) used, and the sender/receiver procedures required for correct operation. It does not mandate physical-layer technologies or specific implementation designs.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Space agencies, spacecraft and ground-segment engineers, mission designers, satellite operators, vendors of flight and ground communications equipment, and systems integrators who need interoperable telemetry transfer at the data-link layer.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard was published in November 2016 (Edition 2) and was reviewed and confirmed in 2023; as of its last ISO review it remained the current edition. Check your national standards body or ISO for any later revisions if you need the absolute current status for procurement or compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO/TC 20/SC 13 family of space data and information transfer standards (other related ISO 2264x documents address synchronization and channel coding, AOS protocol variants, etc.) and corresponds to CCSDS recommended standards used widely in the space community.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Telemetry, TM, space data link, transfer frame, data link protocol, spacecraft communications, CCSDS, ISO 22645.