ISO 21323-2016 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 21323:2016 — Space data and information transfer systems — CCSDS Bundle protocol specification. This International Standard defines the Bundle Protocol (BP) as used in space communications to support message-oriented, delay- and disruption-tolerant networking between spaceborne and ground systems, enabling reliable store-and-forward delivery where long latency and intermittent links are present.

Abstract

ISO 21323:2016 specifies the CCSDS Bundle Protocol, a recommended standard for use in communication-resource-poor space missions subject to long latencies and/or temporary network partitions. The document describes the bundle format, processing rules, and how BP can be used over a variety of underlying transport and link-layer protocols (AOS, Space Packet, Proximity-1, Internet/ground protocols), with rationale for the recommended design choices.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard, confirmed).
• Publication date: November 2016 (published 2016-11; publication process completed 2016-11-03).
• Publisher: ISO (International Organization for Standardization).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space data and information transfer systems).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016).
• Number of pages: 84 pages.

General bibliographic and lifecycle details (status, edition, pages and review/confirmation information) are supplied in the ISO bibliographic record for this standard.

Scope

This standard applies to systems that claim conformance to the CCSDS Bundle Protocol for space missions and related infrastructure that operate under constraints of long propagation delays, intermittent connectivity, or limited communication resources. It is agnostic to the underlying transmission mechanism and is intended for use onboard spacecraft, in inter-satellite links, and between space and ground segments where delay- or disruption-tolerant message delivery is required. The specification covers bundle structure, encapsulation, handling, fragmentation/reassembly, and interfacing to convergence layers.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of the Bundle Protocol architecture and terminology.
• Bundle format and header fields (identifiers, timestamps, custody, lifetime).
• Bundle processing rules: creation, forwarding, reception, deletion, and storage.
• Fragmentation and reassembly mechanisms for bundles crossing constrained links.
• Custody transfer and reliability considerations for store-and-forward delivery.
• Convergence layer interface guidance for operation over AOS, Space Packet, Proximity-1, IP and other transports.
• Interoperability and conformance requirements to support multi-agency deployments.
• Security and operational considerations (high-level guidance; implementation specifics may reference other documents).

Typical use and users

Primary users are spacecraft communications engineers, mission systems architects, ground-segment and network designers, spacecraft software developers, and vendors implementing delay/disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) services for space missions. Typical uses include interplanetary missions, near-Earth missions with intermittent connectivity, mobile/sensor networks in space, and any scenario requiring reliable store-and-forward messaging across high-latency or disrupted links.

Related standards

Closely related are other CCSDS recommendations and space-communications standards that define lower-layer transports and link protocols (AOS, Space Packet, Proximity-1) and DTN ecosystem documents. Implementers often consider relevant IETF DTN/Bundle Protocol documents and CCSDS family publications when designing interoperable systems. Conformance and test specifications from CCSDS and applicable mission-specific standards are commonly used alongside ISO 21323.

Keywords

CCSDS, Bundle Protocol, BP, Delay-Tolerant Networking, DTN, space communications, store-and-forward, custody transfer, convergence layer, fragmentation, interoperability.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 21323:2016 is an International Standard that formalizes the CCSDS Bundle Protocol for delay- and disruption-tolerant message delivery in space data and information transfer systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the Bundle Protocol’s architecture, bundle format and headers, processing rules (creation, forwarding, receipt, deletion), fragmentation/reassembly, custody transfer, and guidance for using BP over various underlying transports and convergence layers.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Spacecraft communications engineers, mission designers, ground-segment operators, software implementers of DTN/Bundle Protocol, and vendors supplying space networking equipment and software.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2016 edition (Edition 1) is published and — according to the ISO bibliographic lifecycle — was reviewed and confirmed in 2023, so this edition remains current at the time of that confirmation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the wider CCSDS and space communications family of standards and is used alongside other CCSDS/ISO documents that define lower-layer protocols, related DTN documents, and mission-specific standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: CCSDS, Bundle Protocol, DTN, delay-tolerant, store-and-forward, custody transfer, convergence layer, space communications.