scope:

This Recommended Standard defines both transparent and regenerative PN ranging systems for non-data relay satellite users. The specification for PN code components and generation, on-board spacecraft regenerative/transparent processing, ground station processing, and uplink and downlink signal modulation are defined in this document. This Recommended Standard does not specify a) individual implementations or products, b) implementation of service interfaces within real systems, or c) the management activities required to configure and control the protocol.

PURPOSE The purpose of this document is to provide a Recommendation for Space Data System Standards in the area of transparent¹ and regenerative Pseudo-Noise (PN) ranging systems. The PN ranging system is used to measure the round-trip light time between a ground station and a spacecraft. Regenerative ranging is primarily relevant for low Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) cases like those seen in deep space missions; transparent ranging is more suitable for high SNR cases or when high accuracy ranging is not required.

¹ The term 'transparent ranging' is used in this standard to mean non-regenerative ranging or turn-around ranging.