ISO 20208-2015 PDF

Full title and description

Space data and information transfer systems — Delta-DOR Raw Data Exchange Format (ISO 20208:2015). This International Standard specifies a recommended standard file/record format (RDEF) for exchanging Delta-DOR raw data between space agencies and other organizations involved in VLBI-based spacecraft angular-position measurements.

Abstract

Delta-DOR (Delta Differential One‑Way Ranging) is a VLBI technique used with Doppler and ranging measurements to improve spacecraft navigation by precisely determining angular position in the plane of the sky. ISO 20208:2015 defines a Raw Data Exchange Format (RDEF) that standardizes the parameter fields, structure and metadata needed when agencies exchange Delta‑DOR raw waveform and supporting data for cross‑agency correlation and processing. The standard is intended for use whenever data correlation includes at least one participating station that does not belong to the agency responsible for the correlation.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard, confirmed).
• Publication date: August 2015 (Edition 1, 2015-08).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space systems and operations).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2015).
• Number of pages: 39 pages (ISO published document).

Scope

ISO 20208:2015 specifies the Delta‑DOR Raw Data Exchange Format (RDEF) required for exchanging raw Delta‑DOR data between agencies and organizations performing VLBI correlation for spacecraft navigation. The scope covers the parameter fields and data structures needed to support inter‑agency correlation when at least one participating station is external to the agency responsible for the correlation. Where the RDEF does not meet participating agencies’ needs, alternate exchange mechanisms may be used.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and purpose of Delta‑DOR Raw Data Exchange Format (RDEF) for cross‑agency VLBI data exchange.
• Required parameter fields, metadata and structural rules for raw Delta‑DOR files to enable correlation and post‑processing.
• Interoperability expectations for ground stations, correlators and agencies when sharing raw waveform and reference‑signal data.
• Application context: used alongside Doppler and ranging data to improve spacecraft angular position estimates.
• Provision for exceptions: guidance that agencies may select alternative mechanisms if RDEF does not capture specific exchange requirements.

Typical use and users

Primary users are space agencies, mission navigation teams, ground station operators, VLBI correlator facilities and flight-dynamics / mission-operations engineers who exchange and correlate Delta‑DOR raw data for deep‑space and precise orbit/navigation applications. Secondary users include standards implementers, software developers for ground systems, and interoperability test teams.

Related standards

ISO 20208:2015 is produced by ISO/TC 20/SC 13 (Space data and information transfer systems) and complements other space data standards and Delta‑DOR operational guidance such as ISO 17809 (Delta‑DOR operations) and CCSDS Delta‑DOR related recommendations and working documents. It sits alongside other ISO 202xx space data standards published by the same technical committee.

Keywords

Delta‑DOR; Delta Differential One‑Way Ranging; RDEF; Raw Data Exchange Format; VLBI; spacecraft navigation; data exchange; inter‑agency interoperability; ISO/TC 20/SC 13; space data transfer.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 20208:2015 is an International Standard that defines the Delta‑DOR Raw Data Exchange Format (RDEF) used to exchange raw VLBI Delta‑DOR data between agencies and organizations for spacecraft navigation purposes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the recommended file/record format, parameter fields, metadata and structural conventions required to share Delta‑DOR raw data for correlation and processing, plus guidance on when to use the format.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Space agencies, mission navigation teams, ground station and correlator operators, and systems engineers responsible for inter‑agency data exchange and VLBI‑based navigation support.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard was published in August 2015 and the ISO record shows it was reviewed and confirmed as current in 2023; it remains the authoritative edition unless formally withdrawn or superseded by a later ISO publication.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of a set of ISO space data and information transfer systems deliverables from ISO/TC 20/SC 13 (several ISO 202xx standards were published by the committee in 2015). It also aligns with CCSDS work on Delta‑DOR and related space data recommendations.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Delta‑DOR, RDEF, VLBI, raw data exchange, spacecraft navigation, inter‑agency interoperability, ranging, Doppler, ISO/TC 20/SC 13.