Proximity-1 Space Link Protocol Explained

Proximity-1 Space Link Protocol is a short haul delivery communications protocol designed to establish a two-way communications link between a lander and an orbiter, negotiate data rate and communications mode, and reliably deliver data during short orbiter-to-surface contacts.

Developed by Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems and documented in a number of CCSDS Recommendations^{[1] [2] [3]} Proximity-1 is implemented on Mars Exploration Rovers, Mars Odyssey, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Express^[4] as well as on Phoenix Mars Lander.^[5]

The frequency band used by this protocol is in the 70-centimeter band so as to reduce complexity of the ground craft, using these frequencies:

• 437.1000 MHz
• 440.7425 MHz
• 444.3850 MHz
• 448.0275 MHz

However, using this protocol over the standard CCSDS frequency bands is perfectly acceptable if the UHF allocation is not usable.

External links

• Mars Relay Operations: Application of CCSDS Proximity-1 Space Data Link Protocol

Notes and References

1. Web site: CCSDS Recommendation For Proximity-1 Space Link Protocol. Coding And Synchronization Sublayer. 2017-05-22.
2. Web site: CCSDS Recommendation For Proximity-1 Space Link Protocol. Data Link Layer. 2017-05-22.
3. Web site: CCSDS Recommendation For Proximity-1 Space Link Protocol. Physical Layer. 2017-05-22.
4. http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=14149 CCSDS Proximity-1 Communications Protocol Enables High-Speed Communication at Mars
5. Web site: Phoenix Mars Mission FAQ. 2008-05-26.