ISO 18438-2013 PDF

Full title and description

Space data and information transfer systems — Spacecraft Onboard Interface Services — Subnetwork Test Service (ISO 18438:2013). This International Standard defines the SOIS Subnetwork Test Service: the services and service interfaces that an onboard subnetwork shall expose to support testing and verification of onboard functions and communications.

Abstract

ISO 18438:2013 is one document in the SOIS (Spacecraft Onboard Interface Services) family. It specifies only the Subnetwork Test Service (the abstract service definition and interfaces) and does not mandate how that service is implemented over particular onboard data links. The standard is intended to be used together with the SOIS Green Book; link‑level protocols that implement the service are documented separately (by missions, agencies or CCSDS as appropriate).

General information

• Status: Published (active).
• Publication date: 2013-06 (published May/June 2013).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space systems and operations).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2013).
• Number of pages: 22.

Scope

Specifies the services and service interfaces that make up the SOIS Subnetwork Test Service for spacecraft onboard subnetworks. The scope is limited to defining the service (features, primitives and interfaces) and does not prescribe implementation methods for different onboard data links; implementation and protocol bindings are to be defined separately for each link or mission context. The standard conforms to the principles set out in the SOIS Green Book and is intended to be applied together with that reference guidance.

Key topics and requirements

• Formal definition of the Subnetwork Test Service and its purpose within SOIS.
• Specification of service primitives, operations and interfaces exposed to onboard applications for testing and diagnostics.
• Clear separation between service definition and link‑layer implementation (no mandatory protocol binding included).
• Conformance to the SOIS Green Book design principles and intended interoperability with other SOIS services.
• Guidance that protocols providing the service must be documented for individual links, missions or agencies (CCSDS involvement where applicable).

Typical use and users

Used by spacecraft systems and avionics engineers, onboard software developers, test and verification teams, satellite integrators, mission system architects, and vendors of onboard test and communications equipment. It is applied when designing or validating onboard subnetwork test/debug capabilities and when defining protocol bindings for specific data links.

Related standards

ISO 18438:2013 is part of the SOIS family within ISO/TC 20/SC 13. Related SOIS standards include other service specifications and SOIS guidance documents (examples: ISO 17214 (Time Access Service), ISO 20213 (Message Transfer Service), ISO 20618 (Device Enumeration Service) and the SOIS Green Book); consult the ISO SOIS series and ICS 49.140 listing for the complete set and lifecycle notes.

Keywords

SOIS, Subnetwork Test Service, spacecraft onboard interface, onboard subnetwork, service interface, CCSDS, space data and information transfer, test and diagnostics, ISO 18438:2013.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18438:2013 defines the Spacecraft Onboard Interface Services (SOIS) Subnetwork Test Service — the abstract service and interfaces an onboard subnetwork provides to support testing and diagnostics.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the service definition (primitives, operations and interfaces) for subnetwork testing; it does not prescribe how the service must be implemented over particular data links or physical layers. Implementations and protocol bindings are documented separately.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Spacecraft systems engineers, onboard software developers, test/verification teams, mission integrators and vendors of onboard communications and test equipment use this standard when designing or validating onboard test services.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published, ISO 18438:2013 is an International Standard (edition 1, 2013). ISO standards are subject to periodic 5‑year reviews; check the ISO catalogue or your national standards body for the latest confirmation or any subsequent revisions or withdrawals.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 18438:2013 belongs to the SOIS family of ISO service specifications (ISO/TC 20/SC 13) and is intended to be used alongside other SOIS service specifications and the SOIS Green Book. See the ISO/ICS 49.140 listing for related ISO numbers in the series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: SOIS, Subnetwork Test Service, spacecraft onboard interface services, onboard testing, service interface, CCSDS, space communications, diagnostics.