ISO 21460-2015 PDF

Full title and description

Space data and information transfer systems — Proximity-1 space link protocol — Physical layer. Defines the physical-layer specification of the Proximity‑1 space link protocol used for short-range space communications (including UHF operations for Mars missions) and specifies channel connection processes, frequency provisions, hailing channel, polarization, modulation, data rates and performance requirements.

Abstract

ISO 21460:2015 specifies the Proximity‑1 Space Link Protocol — Physical Layer. The standard covers the physical signalling and channel procedures, frequency band and assignment guidance, the hailing channel, polarization and modulation options, supported data rates and associated performance requirements; it notes that the Data Link Layer and Coding/Synchronization sublayer are defined separately by CCSDS documents. The Physical Layer in this edition focuses on UHF operations relevant to the Mars environment.

General information

• Status: Published and confirmed (current edition confirmed in 2023).
• Publication date: August 2015 (2015-08).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space technology).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2015).
• Number of pages: 27.

Scope

Specifies the physical‑layer requirements and procedures for the Proximity‑1 space link protocol used in proximity and short‑range space communications. Topics include channel connection processes, frequency bands and assignments, hailing channel behavior, polarization, modulation schemes, permitted data rates and performance targets. The standard explicitly excludes implementation details, internal service interfaces, methods/technologies for procedures and management activities for protocol configuration; Data Link and Coding/Synchronization layers are defined in separate CCSDS recommended standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of the Proximity‑1 physical layer and supported physical-channel procedures (channel connection and hailing).
• Frequency-band provisions and assignments with emphasis on UHF operations for Mars proximity links.
• Polarization and modulation options supported by the physical layer.
• Supported data rates and associated performance requirements (link budgets, bit-error expectations and signaling performance).
• Explicit exclusions: no specification of product implementations, internal service interfaces or management methods; higher-layer definitions (Data Link, Coding/Synchronization) are handled by CCSDS documents.

Typical use and users

Used by spacecraft communications engineers, mission systems designers, radio-frequency and link‑budget specialists, spacecraft avionics contractors and space agencies when designing or validating short‑range (proximity) communication links — particularly for planetary missions (e.g., Mars) and rendezvous/near‑space operations. Implementers of CCSDS protocols and vendors of proximity‑link radios also rely on this standard for interoperability and conformance guidance.

Related standards

Closely related to CCSDS recommended standards that define the Proximity‑1 Coding and Synchronization Sublayer and the Proximity‑1 Data Link Layer (these higher layers specify framing, coding and data‑link procedures). This edition (2015) replaces ISO 21460:2007. Relevant CCSDS documents should be consulted for end‑to‑end protocol implementation.

Keywords

Proximity‑1, physical layer, space link protocol, UHF, Mars communications, proximity communications, CCSDS, modulation, polarization, hailing channel, data rates.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 21460:2015 is the International Standard that defines the Proximity‑1 space link protocol — Physical Layer for short‑range space communications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers physical‑layer procedures and requirements: channel connection, frequency assignments, hailing channel, polarization, modulation, supported data rates and performance targets. It does not prescribe specific product implementations or management methods; higher layers are covered by CCSDS documents.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Spacecraft communications engineers, mission designers, RF/link‑budget specialists, contractors building proximity radios, and agencies implementing CCSDS protocols.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2015 edition (Edition 3) is the current published edition; ISO records show this edition was reviewed and confirmed (status confirmed) in 2023. It supersedes ISO 21460:2007.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the family of standards and recommended practices used for space data and information transfer; related documents include CCSDS Proximity‑1 Data Link Layer and Coding/Synchronization Sublayer recommendations.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Proximity‑1, physical layer, space link protocol, UHF, Mars, CCSDS, modulation, polarization, hailing channel, data rates.