Interoperability Plenary
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CCSDS

The Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) was formed in 1982 by the major space agencies of the world to provide a forum for discussion of common problems in the development and operation of space data systems. It is currently composed of eleven member agencies, twenty-eight observer agencies, and over 140 industrial associates.

Since its establishment, it has been actively developing Recommendations for data- and information-systems standards to promote interoperability and cross support among cooperating space agencies, to enable multi-agency spaceflight collaboration (both planned and contingency) and new capabilities for future missions. Additionally, CCSDS standardization reduces the cost burden of spaceflight missions by allowing cost sharing between agencies and cost-effective commercialization.

ICG

The International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG) was established on a voluntary basis at the United Nations International Meeting for the Establishment of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG) on 1-2 December 2005 in Vienna, Austria.

The ICG is an informal body for the purpose of promoting cooperation, as appropriate, on matters of mutual interest related to civil satellite-based positioning, navigation, timing, and value-added services. In addition, the ICG promotes compatibility and interoperability among the GNSS systems, while increasing their use to support sustainable development, particularly in the developing countries.

The ICG information portal is hosted by UNOOSA for users of GNSS services.

ISECG

The International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) was established in response to "The Global Exploration Strategy: The Framework for Coordination" developed by fourteen space agencies1 and released in May 2007. This GES Framework Document articulated a shared vision of coordinated human and robotic space exploration focused on Solar System destinations where humans may one day live and work. Among the many Framework Document findings was the need to establish a voluntary, non-binding international coordination mechanism through which individual agencies may exchange information regarding their interests, plans and activities in space exploration, and to work together on means of strengthening both individual exploration programs as well as the collective effort.

IOAG

The Interagency Operations Advisory Group (IOAG) purpose is to provide an open forum where different agencies can coordinate space communications policy, high-level procedures, technical interfaces, and other matters of interoperability and space communications.

The IOAG was founded by the IOP and was to help understand many issues that were related to interagency inter-operability. The IOAG was to identify solutions for these matters and ensure that they are incompliance with IOP policies. Furthermore, the IOAG makes specific recommendations on actions conducted by the IOP.

The IOAG relies on work that has already been completed by other organizations such as the Inter Agency Consultative Group (IACG), Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS), and the Space Frequency Group (SFCG).

SFCG

The Space Frequency Coordination Group (SFCG) was established in order to provide a less formal and more flexible environment, as compared to the official organs of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) (i.e., Radiocommunication Bureau (RB); Radio Communication Study Groups (SG) of the Radiocommunication Bureau), for the solution of frequency management problems encountered by member space agencies.

The SFCG is concerned with the effective use and management of those radio frequency bands that are allocated by the Radio Regulations of the ITU to the Space Research, Space Operations, Earth Exploration Satellite, and Meteorological Satellite services. The Group will also concern itself with feeder links and data relay satellites operated in connection with these services, and with satellite-borne radio astronomy (including radar astronomy). Within the formal framework of the Radio Regulations, there is the need and opportunity for international informal agreement among participating space agencies concerning assignment of specific frequencies, and related technical issues.

The principal result of SFCG meetings is the adoption of resolutions and recommendations which express technical and administrative agreements. These agreements may be used by space agencies to make best use of allocated bands and to avoid interference.