Consultative
Committee for
Space Data Systems
PROCEDURES MANUAL
FOR THE
CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
FOR
SPACE DATA SYSTEMS
CCSDS A00.0-Y-8
YELLOW BOOK
July 2002
PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR SPACE DATA SYSTEMS
FOREWORD
The Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) was organized in January
1982. It provides a forum for space agencies interested in mutually developing standard
data handling techniques to support space research, including space science and applications,
conducted exclusively for peaceful purposes.
The primary products of the CCSDS are technical Recommendations that guide internal
developments of compatible standards within each participating space Agency. It is
believed that the CCSDS activities will significantly enhance the planning and execution of
future cooperative space missions.
An intrinsic contribution of
the CCSDS
Recommendations is the expected higher degree of interoperability among Agencies that
observe the Recommendations.
The fundamental operating principle of
the CCSDS is consensus.
CCSDS
Recommendations represent an approach that the Member Agencies agree is the best
resolution feasible.
Although CCSDS Recommendations do not bind CCSDS members, member endorsements
signal the following intentions:
o
Whenever an Agency establishes a CCSDS-related standard, this standard will be in
accord with the relevant Recommendation. Establishing such a standard does not
preclude other provisions which an Agency may develop.
o
Whenever an Agency establishes a CCSDS-related standard, the Agency will provide
other CCSDS member Agencies with the following information:
--
The standard itself;
--
The anticipated date of initial operational capability;
--
The anticipated duration of operational service.
o
Specific service arrangements shall be made via memoranda of agreement. Neither a
Recommendation nor any ensuing standard is a substitute for a memorandum of
agreement.