XML Telemetry and Command Exchange Language
XTCE
An OMG Standard
- What is XTCE?
It is a non-proprietary international standard for describing
telemetry and commands using XML.
It is a result of the collaborative efforts between space agencies and
contractors to space agencies within the
Space Domain Task Force of the
Object Management Group (OMG).
The specification is in the form of an XML Schema.
In addition, UML diagrams, a tutorial, and an explanatory document were
submitted to the OMG.
- Why do we need XTCE?
Having a common XML description for T&C:
- reduces time, effort and confusions in communications of the
meaning and layout of T&C parameters, packaging, and commands
between satellite parts vendors, ground systems, and flight systems.
- allows for XML validation for correct datatyping, order of
info, and completeness; and allows for an additional T&C
specific validator to be written for all missions.
- makes possible greater automation and standard utilities
for flight software coding, ground software coding, and user
interfaces.
- allows trending systems to be easily adapted to new
missions and for trending analyses to encompass many more
missions.
- makes it possible for satellite control to be shared or
transfered to different institutions or agencies.
- Who is using XTCE?
There are users at:
- NASA GSFC, JPL and JWC
- The European Space Agency (ESA)
- Boeing
- Lockheed-Martin
- Harris Space Systems
- Kratos
- Northrup Grumman
- CCSDS Publishes and supports XTCE including Guides
- See the CCSDS Recommendation Standard ("Blue Book") here
- See the CCSDS report on concepts ("Mgr's Green Book")
here
- See the CCSDS detailed XTCE explainer guide
here
- How can I get it?
Click here: Current XTCE
XML Schema, Tutorial and other info.
- How can I get the related GovSat Specification?
Click here for just the specification: Here.
- Toolkits
- XTCETOOLS -- a Java based library and
graphical interface application that provides a platform independent
viewer/editor/validator for satellite databases stored in XTCE format.
- XTCE is maintained by:
Curator: Ed Shaya (U. of Maryland, eshaya@umd.edu)