Communications protocol stacks for the Space Station Freedom

Abstract

Some of the aspects of the communications protocol stacks that have been recommended for the packet communications services for the Space Station Freedom Program are discussed. Particular attention is given to the protocol stacks that support the two space-to-ground packet communications services, the path and internet services. The protocol stacks of the subnetworks and gateways that connect onboard and ground user applications are discussed. Standards developed by the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems are used to implement the data link and physical layer function for the protocol stacks of the space link subnet which joins the onboard and ground networks.<>