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Contact PTP Team
[+1] 877-AVTEC-05
[+1] 703-488-2500 intl

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Related Content
  • PTP Telemetry Processor
  • SLE RS Release

CCSDS Space Link Extension

Space Link Extension (SLE) Protocol Support for the Avtec PTP

Introducing complete CCSDS Space Link Extension support for the Avtec Programmable Telemetry Processor.  Deploy the PTP with built-in support for the new SLE protocol standards, and extend the space link seamlessly to users and operators on the ground.

CCSDS SLE Applications Overview

Avtec's PTP can be deployed with complete SLE support built in.

  

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KEY FEATURES

  • Standardized space link services
  • Fully compliant with widely-deployed CCSDS standards such as Forward TC (telecommand) and Return TM (telemetry)
  • Connection management, authentication, scheduling, data transfer, status reporting and notifications services
  • Simple deployment using Avtec's mission-proven PTP Telemetry and Command processing system

APPLICATIONS

  • Cross-support services for interoperability of missions
  • Commercial telemetry and command  networks
  • Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) products
  • Satellite control software

CCSDS SPACE LINK EXTENSION OVERVIEW
The CCSDS Space Link Extension (SLE) is a set of CCSDS recommended standards for extending the space link to control centers, allowing standardized, distributed access to satellite telecommand and telemetry services. SLE encompasses both services and access methods.  The SLE standards enable different systems to work together seamlessly, allowing mission  planners and engineers to avoid having to re-implement common behaviors.  When deployed, SLE also offers complete platform and protocol independence.

CCSDS Space Link Extension (SLE) Overview

SLE allows mission planners and engineers to extend the space link seamlessly to users and operators on the ground.

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The SLE also enables the satellite ground assets of space agencies, ground station operators and space data users to interoperate over existing communications networks.  This saves time and money by eliminating the need for ad-hoc, complicated gateways specifically designed for each new mission.

FULL SLE SUPPORT FOR THE AVTEC PTP
Avtec Systems offers SLE support as a set of functional modules that extend the Programmable Telemetry Processor (PTP), Avtec's industry-standard telemetry and telecommand processor. Currently deployed in a variety of operational settings, these modules are mission-proven, and are fully compliant and interoperable with other SLE implementations within NASA, ESA and DoD.
 
PTP Modules are available for the user and provider sides of all currently-defined SLE data services:

  • Forward CLTU (FCLTU)
  • Return All Frames (RAF)
  • Return Channel Frames (RCF)

A PTP pre-configured with SLE support can act as a dedicated SLE Gateway, transparently bridging between SLE-based network segments and segments supporting custom or legacy network encapsulation protocols.  SLE functional modules can also be easily deployed into existing PTP installations, adding SLE interfaces to hardware already in place.

SELECTED DEPLOYMENTS
The following are just some of the missions and programs currently relying on Avtec SLE-enabled Programmable Telemetry Processor systems:

  • NASA Deep Space Network (DSN)
  • NASA Goddard Space Flight Center DSN Emulation
  • Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN)
  • INTEGRAL
  • Genesis
  • SOHO

REAL VALUE: HOW AVTEC'S CUSTOMERS ARE WINNING WITH SLE
The following diagrams illustrate how selected Avtec customers have used SLE-enabled PTPs to extend the space link:

SLE Diagram

SLE-extended PTP within a ground station. The PTP provides SLE FCLTU for receiving CLTUs to be radiated to a spacecraft over a space link, implementing buffering and release logic according to SLE and PLOP specifications. The PTP may also enable the space link to return CCSDS frames to the end user via SLE RAF/RCF.

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Dedicated SLE Gateway

Dedicated SLE Gateway. The Avtec PTP supports many custom and legacy interfaces to the end user.  An SLE-extended PTP can act as a dedicated protocol gateway between these interfaces and SLE.

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AFSCN SLE Implementation

AFSCN SLE implementation. The Air Force Satellite Control Network has defined standard SLE-based interfaces and adaptation functionality for interoperability with commercial ground stations. SLE-extended PTPs are deployed as edge devices, and act as a protocol gateway between existing SGLS interfaces and new SLE interfaces.

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