XML Telemetric and Command Exchange - Overview

Overview

During the entire ground system development and operation phases of a mission, telemetry and telecommand definitions may be exchanged between multiple systems and organizations. Without a standard format, databases need dedicated converters to convert between the various proprietary database formats and editors. Allowing for a common database exchange format throughout the entire mission lifecycle will significantly reduce the cost of database conversions that occur in many space projects. XTCE has been developed as part of an international cooperation involving the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Goddard Space Flight Center, the European Space Agency, the United States Air Force and private industry including RT Logic, Harris, SciSys, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The standards development effort has been coordinated via the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems and the Object Management Group. The XML Telemetry and Command Exchange standard is now in active use as a means to exchange mission databases improving interoperability while reducing mission readiness costs.