Introduction

SpaceWire is a standard for high-speed links and networks for use onboard spacecraft, easing the interconnection of:

• sensors
• mass-memories
• processing units, and
• downlink telemetry sub-systems.

SpaceWire is being widely used on many space missions by:

• ESA
• NASA
• JAXA

SpaceWire equipment is connected together using SpaceWire links which are:

• serial,
• high-speed (2 Mbits/sec to 200 Mbits/sec),
• bi-directional,
• full-duplex.

Application information is sent along a SpaceWire link in discrete packets. Control and time information can also be sent along SpaceWire links.

SpaceWire is defined in the European Cooperation for Space Standardization ECSS-E50-12A standard.

For further information on the purpose and key features of SpaceWire and for a brief technical introduction please click on the following links:

• Purpose
• Key Features
• Technical Introduction