Error correcting codes for next generation spacecraft telecommand

With the advent of modern coding techniques, considerable improvement is possible over the BCH codes specified in the current Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) telecommand standard. Two broad classes of applications are identified, one for low-data-rate transfer of simple commands and protocol information, and the other for transfer of files and complex command sequences. New error correcting codes are proposed for each, and their interactions with the surrounding protocol layers are discussed. Feasibility of each is also demonstrated with prototype implementations of the coding systems.