Space Link Services Area (SLS)

Welcome to the Space Link Services (SLS) Collaborative Work Environment.

The Space Link services area is in charge, within CCSDS, to develop efficient space link communications systems common to all participating agencies. A space link interconnects a spacecraft with its ground support system or with another spacecraft. Agencies' new generations of space missions require telecommand and telemetry capabilities beyond current technologies. These new needs are for higher data rates, better link performances, more performing ranging systems, together with lower cost, mass and power and higher security.

More specifically, SLS area concentrates on layers 1 & 2 (of OSI protocol stack), namely : RF & modulation, channel coding and data link layer, for both long-haul (e.g.: spacecraft to ground) and proximity links (e.g.: orbiter to lander). Two additionnal functions are also covered by the SLS area : data compression for end to end data transfer optimization, and ranging for accurate orbit determination.

The area is composed of specialized working group whose objective is to develop specific recommendations. One recommendation will typically cover one OSI layer or sub-layer. This layering of recommendations maximizes flexibility and interoperability with other commercial protocols (e.g. : TCP/IP).

PUBLICATIONS

SLS Area Approved Publications can be accessed by clicking here.  All CCSDS Approved Publications can be accessed by clicking here.