A space demonstration of the next generation TT and C standards

An initiative to develop an integrated set of space data communication protocols, which will complement and expand upon the current Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) telemetry and telecommand standards, is reported on. The aim is to provide a comprehensive set of spacecraft control and monitoring data handling services. The space communications protocol standards (SCPS) initiative will provide a set of spacecraft telemetry, telecommand and control (TT and C) standards that will serve a wide range of civilian and military space missions. A software flight test and demonstration of the capabilities of the SCPS protocols was performed using the in orbit space technology research vehicle and compared to laboratory simulations. The results from this test will contribute to the continued SCPS protocol development program.