ISO 10537-2016 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10537:2016 — Space data and information transfer systems — Encapsulation service. This International Standard defines the Encapsulation Service used in space data systems: the service primitives offered to users, the protocol data units employed by the service provider, and the procedures performed by the service provider; it does not prescribe specific implementations or technologies.

Abstract

ISO 10537:2016 specifies the Encapsulation Service in terms of (a) service primitives provided to users, (b) protocol data units (PDUs) used by the service provider, and (c) procedures performed by the service provider. It explicitly excludes requirements for individual implementations, internal service interface implementations, specific methods or technologies for procedures, and configuration/management activities. The edition incorporates CCSDS encap‑service updates.

General information

• Status: Published / International Standard (confirmed).
• Publication date: November 2016 (edition published 2016-11; main ISO metadata lists November 2016).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space systems and operations).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2016).
• Number of pages: 29 pages (ISO official edition). Note: some national/adopted publications (for example the BSI/DIN packaged national version) show extended pagination (commonly 44 pages) because of national forewords/annexes.

Scope

Defines the functional Encapsulation Service for transferring user data units that are not directly transferred by space data link protocols by specifying service primitives, encapsulation PDUs and provider procedures. The standard is intended to enable interoperable encapsulation between space and ground systems while leaving implementation choices (software, hardware, management procedures) to system designers. It does not mandate particular products, interface implementations, or the technological means to carry out the procedures.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of service primitives and their semantics for users of the Encapsulation Service.
• Specification of protocol data units (Encapsulation Packets / PDUs) used to carry variable-length, octet‑aligned user data.
• Procedures the service provider must perform (queuing, encapsulation, segmentation/concatenation rules, handling of PDUs).
• Interoperability considerations with CCSDS space packet and space data link protocols (the ISO edition reflects CCSDS encap service updates).
• Constraints and limits on encapsulation (maximum packet sizes as defined by underlying packet formats and SDLPs; asynchronous/queued transfer behavior).
• What the standard explicitly does not cover: implementation-level details, technology choices, and management/configuration activities.

Typical use and users

Typical users include spacecraft systems and communications engineers, protocol implementers (flight and ground software), mission architects designing telemetry/telecommand/data-transfer services, ground-station integrators, and agencies or contractors requiring cross-support and interoperable transfer of non‑packet user data. Use cases include carrying CFDP or other user data over an encapsulation service, transferring proprietary or legacy data units, and enabling cross-agency interoperability over standard space data links.

Related standards

Closely related documents and families include the CCSDS Encapsulation Service / Encapsulation Packet Protocol (CCSDS 133.1 series), the Space Packet Protocol (CCSDS 133.0), related Space Data Link Protocols (TM/TC/AOS/USLP), and higher‑level file/transfer protocols such as CFDP (ISO 20105 / CCSDS CFDP profiles). National adoptions (e.g., BS ISO 10537:2016) provide national forewords and editorial differences.

Keywords

Encapsulation Service; Encapsulation Packet; space data; CCSDS; Space Packet; protocol data unit (PDU); space data link protocol (SDLP); telemetry; telecommand; interoperability; CFDP.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10537:2016 is an International Standard that defines the Encapsulation Service for space data and information transfer systems—specifying service primitives, PDUs and provider procedures to enable interoperable encapsulation of user data in space communications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the functional definition of the Encapsulation Service, the formats and semantics of encapsulation PDUs, and the procedures for the service provider. It does not prescribe implementation details, products, or specific technologies.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Spacecraft and ground systems engineers, mission architects, protocol implementers, ground-station integrators, and contractors/agencies needing interoperable transfer of non‑packet or legacy user data across space links.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 10537:2016 is the 2016 second edition and is published (confirmed) by ISO. As with all ISO standards it is subject to periodic review; the ISO metadata shows the 2016 edition as the current published edition. National adoptions and amendments (e.g., earlier 2010 edition and a 2015 amendment) were superseded by the 2016 edition. For the definitive life‑cycle status consult the ISO catalogue entry.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within the space data and information transfer systems family of standards and is closely aligned with CCSDS recommended standards (notably CCSDS 133.1 series for Encapsulation). It is used alongside related ISO/CCSDS standards for space packet and data link layers.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Encapsulation Service, Encapsulation Packet, space data, CCSDS, Space Packet, PDU, SDLP, telemetry, telecommand, interoperability.