Study into the Use of CFDP and DTN for Future ESA Mission
Stuart D. Fowell, Oliver Page, Dai Stanton, Stephen P. Farrell, Nestor Peccia, Felix Flentge · ESASP · 2010
Existing file-based communication with spacecraft has tended to be an ad-hoc affair using bespoke protocols and operational procedures. Recent developments in space communication protocols promise to move this to a more capable and, through standardisation, re-usable basis. The CCSDS File Transfer Protocol (CFDP) is a standardised file transfer protocol for space, encompassing protocols and procedures for transferring files between ground and spacecraft, including via waypoints such as data relay satellites. Disjoint/delay Tolerant Networking (DTN) represents an evolution from CFDP and its store-and-forward capabilities through the introduction of a dedicated bundle protocol layer and, LTP, at the network layer, that is tuned for long-delay and disrupted communication links. Together these are enablers for a more automated communications architecture for transfer of data for deep space and planetary missions. However, as with the introduction of any new technology, their impact on existing practises and how they should be exploited must be carefully studied and planned for. SciSys, in conjunction with Keltik and Trinity College Dublin (TCD), is conducting just such a study for ESA’s ESOC. This focuses on a two-stage roadmap of the initial application of CFDP to ESA-led missions and later the use of CFDP over DTN. This paper presents the conclusions from this study.