ISO 21077-2021 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 21077:2021 — Space data and information transfer systems — Digital motion imagery. This International Standard provides a common reference and framework for digital motion video and imagery exchanged between spacecraft elements and ground systems, including recommendations for use of international standards when sharing or distributing motion video and imagery in space missions.

Abstract

The document defines the scope and recommended practices for digital motion imagery in space applications. It covers traditional real‑time streaming video (spacecraft‑to‑spacecraft and spacecraft‑to‑ground) and recorded video distributed later (either as a stream or file transfer). It specifically excludes specialized high‑speed scientific and multi‑spectral motion imagery, except where such systems must match spacecraft video interfaces.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: June 2021
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space systems and operations)
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2021)
• Number of pages: 34

Scope

The standard applies to digital motion video and imagery used in space systems: it addresses continuous real‑time streaming intended for immediate use when received (regardless of transmission latency), and recorded video distributed later either as streams or file transfers. Ground‑to‑ground video distribution practices between agencies are noted but are not the primary focus; interoperability and prior system testing between ground systems are recommended before inter‑agency video exchange.

Key topics and requirements

• Framework and common reference for digital motion imagery formats and transmission in spacecraft and ground interfaces.
• Recommendations for using international standards to share or distribute mission video between spacecraft elements and ground systems.
• Support for real‑time streaming and recorded video delivered as streams or file transfers.
• Requirement that specialized camera systems interfacing to spacecraft in video mode match the defined spacecraft video interfaces.
• Guidance noting that ground‑to‑ground distribution varies by agency and that interoperability testing and system design reviews are necessary prior to inter‑agency transmission.

Typical use and users

Used by spacecraft systems engineers, ground‑segment designers, mission integrators, satellite manufacturers, systems architects, software developers for telemetry and data handling, testing and validation teams, and space agency interoperability coordinators who must define, implement or exchange digital motion imagery in human or robotic space missions.

Related standards

ISO 21077:2021 replaces ISO 21077:2016 (withdrawn). It is produced under ISO/TC 20/SC 13 (Space data and information transfer systems); users often reference other space data transfer and telemetry standards from ISO technical committee activities and from CCSDS recommendations when designing end‑to‑end mission video systems.

Keywords

digital motion imagery, space video, real‑time streaming, spacecraft video interfaces, video file transfer, space data transfer, ISO 21077, space systems

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 21077:2021 is an ISO International Standard that provides a reference framework and recommendations for digital motion video and imagery in space data and information transfer systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers traditional real‑time streaming video and recorded video for spacecraft‑to‑spacecraft and spacecraft‑to‑ground systems, including recommendations for sharing/distributing motion imagery and requirements for camera/video interfaces to spacecraft systems. It excludes most specialized high‑speed and multi‑spectral imagery unless those systems must adopt the spacecraft video interfaces described.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Space agencies, satellite/spacecraft manufacturers, ground‑segment system designers, mission integrators, software and video data handling engineers, and testing/interoperability teams responsible for mission video products.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current. ISO 21077:2021 (published June 2021, Edition 2) is the active version; it superseded ISO 21077:2016.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ISO work under ISO/TC 20/SC 13 (space data and information transfer systems). Users commonly apply it alongside other space data transfer and telemetry standards and recommendations to achieve end‑to‑end interoperability.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: digital motion imagery; space video; real‑time streaming; spacecraft interfaces; video file transfer; space data transfer; interoperability.