Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS)

The Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) is an agency-led multinational forum formed in 1982 by major space agencies to develop interoperable communications and data-system standards for spaceflight. CCSDS brings together member agencies, observer agencies, and industrial associates through a Management Council, Engineering Steering Group, and technical areas covering space link, mission operations, cross-support, information systems, security, and space internetworking. Its recommendations and standards support interoperable spacecraft and ground systems, mission operations, archives, navigation-data exchange, and cross-support across governmental, commercial, and scientific missions. CCSDS publishes approved standards and maintains active international technical work, including 2026 meetings and standards updates, from its Secretariat in NASA's Space Communications and Navigation Office at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC.