ISO 18424:2013 addresses the need for a standardized information model capable of supporting Telemetry/Telecommand (TM/TC) definitions across the widest possible range of space domain activities. The goal is to allow TM/TC definitions to be exchanged between different organizations and systems, often at the boundaries of mission phases, without the need for customized import/export, re-validation, or even re-implementation of mission databases.

The scope of ISO 18424:2013 is limited to the satellite telemetry and commanding meta-data constructs necessary to perform satellite and payload data processing. ISO 18424:2013 includes the meta-data needed to:

• Define the structure and sequence of both CCSDS packets and TDM frames;
• Define the data manipulation required for packaging and unpacking of individual data items;
• Describe command data including command identification, argument specification, and validation criteria;
• Define parameter and command encoding;
• Define data properties including including default values, validity criteria, and data dependencies.

The scope of ISO 18424:2013 does not extend to:

• Data distribution mechanisms or rules;
• Command and data protocol specifications;
• RF or analog stream characterization;
• Data grouping including aggregation and coherent data sets;
• Data representation (visualization properties);
• Scheduling configuration properties;
• Orbital properties;
• Displays;
• Flight Software.

ISO 18424:2013 addresses only the definition of TM/TC data, but is not a specification for the transfer of live or historical TM/TC data. It is a meta-data specification, not a data specification.