Overview
ISO 20106:2015 - Space data and information transfer systems - Mission operations common object model (COM) defines a formal, abstract model for Mission Operations (MO) services. Developed by CCSDS and adopted by ISO, the standard describes the COM in terms of the operations required to provide MO services, the parameter data associated with each operation, the required behaviour of operations, and how the model is used. The standard intentionally does not prescribe specific implementations, product designs, interface deployments, or communication technologies.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Common Object Model (COM): A generic service template that provides object-model semantics to MO services and aligns with the Message Abstraction Layer (MAL).
- Service families covered: The specification includes core MO support services such as the Event Service, Archive Service, and Activity Tracking Service (detailed service operations and events are defined).
- Operations and parameters: For each service the standard defines the operations, expected parameters, and required behaviour (e.g., operation semantics, error reporting).
- Data types and error codes: Formal definitions of COM data structures and a catalog of COM error codes are provided.
- Service specification artifacts: The standard references an XML service specification schema (formal service specification XML) to support machine-readable service definitions.
- Activity modelling: The document includes conceptual activity patterns (relay, chaining, proxy, single-hop, multi-hop) used in mission operations workflows.
- Document structure: Sections cover overview, COM specification, data types, errors, and XML schemas; annexes include security, acronyms, and informative references.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
ISO 20106:2015 is used to achieve consistent, interoperable mission operations interfaces across agencies, ground segments, and spacecraft systems. Typical users include:
- Satellite and spacecraft systems engineers designing mission operations architectures
- Ground segment and flight software developers implementing MO services
- Systems integrators and vendors building interoperable mission control products
- Space agencies and program managers coordinating multi-vendor or international missions
- Standards developers and architects mapping higher-level MO concepts to implementation frameworks (e.g., MAL)
Practical benefits include improved interoperability, reusable service templates, and a shared vocabulary for eventing, archiving, and activity tracking in mission operations.
Related standards
- CCSDS Mission Operations Services Concept (foundation for COM)
- Message Abstraction Layer (MAL) specification (COM maps to MAL interactions)
- CCSDS recommended standards and Blue Books referenced and maintained by CCSDS (see ISO/CCSDS references)
Keywords: ISO 20106:2015, Mission Operations Common Object Model, COM, CCSDS, MAL, space data, mission operations services, event service, archive service, activity tracking.