ISO 17807:2013

Overview

ISO 17807:2013 - Space data and information transfer systems - Asynchronous Message Service (AMS) defines a CCSDS-based Asynchronous Message Service for mission data systems. Adopted from CCSDS 735.1-B-1 (Sep 2011), the standard specifies the service, protocol procedures, and protocol data units (PDUs) that enable self‑configuring, asynchronous messaging among modular mission software components. The goal is to provide a standard, reusable messaging infrastructure that is simple to use, automated, flexible, robust, scalable and efficient - reducing mission cost and risk for spacecraft and ground systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Architectural model: Supports a “society” of autonomous modules (processes, tasks, threads) that communicate without explicit knowledge of other active modules; promotes modular data systems and loose coupling.
• Automatic configuration: Protocol procedures and PDUs defined to establish AMS communication relationships automatically at runtime.
• Dynamic reconfiguration: Mechanisms to reconfigure communication relationships during operations to accommodate mission changes, upgrades, or recovery from module failures.
• Protocol specification: Detailed protocol behaviors, meta‑AMS configuration procedures, application AMS communication procedures, and remote AMS gateway procedures.
• Protocol Data Units (PDUs): Definitions for meta‑AMS, AAMS, and remote AMS PDUs used for configuration and message exchange.
• Operational and management elements: Includes Management Information Base (MIB), conformance classes and capability sets, AMS proxy architecture, and examples such as an AMQP‑based AMS proxy (AMSP).
• Conformance and interoperability: Conformance classes and capability sets guide implementers on required features for interoperability across agencies and vendors.

Applications

• Onboard spacecraft middleware for inter‑module messaging (instrument controllers, data processors, fault managers).
• Ground segment and mission operations systems requiring modular, interoperable message exchange.
• Distributed mission architectures where components may appear, disappear or upgrade during operations.
• Systems requiring automated service discovery and robust recovery after subsystem failure.

Who should use this standard

• Spacecraft system architects and software engineers designing mission data systems and middleware.
• Integrators of ground segment and flight software wishing to standardize module communication.
• Space agencies, satellite manufacturers, payload developers, and vendors building interoperable messaging solutions.
• Project teams focused on reducing operational complexity, improving scalability, and lowering mission risk.

Related standards

• CCSDS 735.1-B-1 (Asynchronous Message Service) - original Recommended Standard adopted by ISO 17807:2013.
• ISO/TC 20/SC 13 - responsible subcommittee (Space data and information transfer systems).
• Document note: CCSDS 301.0-B-4 (Nov 2010) is equivalent to ISO 11104:2013 as referenced in the ISO text.

Keywords: ISO 17807:2013, Asynchronous Message Service, CCSDS, space data, mission data systems, asynchronous messaging, automatic configuration, dynamic reconfiguration, modular data systems, interoperability.