ISO 19389:2014

Overview

ISO 19389:2014 - Space data and information transfer systems: Conjunction data message defines a standardized message format for exchanging spacecraft conjunction information between Conjunction Assessment (CA) originators and satellite owner/operators (and other authorized parties). The standard (adopted from CCSDS 508.0‑B‑1) specifies a self-contained Conjunction Data Message (CDM) designed to support consistent warnings, interoperability, and automation across diverse CA providers and users. It applies to satellite operations in any environment where close approaches and collision risk are a concern.

Key topics and technical requirements

• CDM structure and content: The specification describes CDM header, metadata and data elements - including fields for miss distance, probability of collision, Time of Closest Approach (TCA), and relative position and velocity at closest approach.
• Representations: The CDM is defined in both key‑value notation (KVN) and XML formats to support human‑readable and machine‑readable exchanges.
• Self‑contained messages: CDMs are designed to be complete messages; optional keywords exist but originators are encouraged to maintain consistency in their use.
• Machine‑to‑machine suitability: The message attributes support automated interfaces and bulk data handling for CA workflows.
• Requirements & criteria: Annex D (informative) summarizes the requirements and criteria the message format was designed to meet; Annex E provides informative descriptions of conjunction information; Annex F lists references for CA algorithms and accuracy definitions.
• Scope limits: ISO 19389:2014 standardizes only message format and content - it does not prescribe transmission methods, nor the algorithms used to generate collision probabilities or compute conjunctions.

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO 19389:2014

• Satellite owner/operators needing consistent, actionable conjunction alerts.
• Conjunction assessment service providers who produce and share CA data.
• Mission operations centers integrating automated collision‑avoidance decision pipelines.
• Ground system integrators implementing machine‑to‑machine CDM interfaces (KVN/XML).
• International and multi‑agency programs requiring interoperable CA data exchange across organizations.

Practical benefits

• Enables consistent warning and decision‑making across diverse CA techniques.
• Facilitates automation of CA processing, alerting, and collision‑avoidance planning.
• Provides a common basis for Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between originators and recipients.

Related standards

• Based on CCSDS 508.0‑B‑1 (Conjunction Data Message).
• ISO adoption references other CCSDS/ISO work (see Annexes and Clause 2 for cross‑references, e.g., equivalence notes for CCSDS 301.0‑B‑4 / ISO 11104 and CCSDS 505.0‑B‑1 / ISO 17107).

Keywords: ISO 19389:2014, Conjunction Data Message, CDM, conjunction assessment, probability of collision, Time of Closest Approach, satellite operator, interoperability, machine‑to‑machine, XML, KVN, CCSDS 508.0‑B‑1.