ISO 18382:2013

Space data and information transfer systems — Spacecraft onboard interface services — RFID-based inventory management systems

ISO 18382:2013 provides recommended practices for the utilization of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protocol and communication standards in support of inventory management activities associated with space missions. The recommended practices contained in ISO 18382:2013 enable member agencies to select the best option(s) available for interoperable RFID-based communications in the support of inventory management applications. The specification of a Recommended Practice facilitates interoperable communications and forms the foundation for cross-support of communication systems between separate member space agencies. ISO 18382:2013 is targeted towards passive (unpowered) RFID tags transmitting in the 860 MHz ? 960 MHz Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio band. The recommended practices are applicable to both terrestrial (ground-based) and space-based automated inventory management systems utilizing only passive RFID tags. Active RFID systems and utilization of RFID tags for precision asset localization are not covered in ISO 18382:2013.

Systèmes de transfert des informations et données spatiales — Services d'interfaces à bord des véhicules spatiaux — Systèmes de gestion des stocks basés sur la radiofréquence (RFID)

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 28-May-2013
• ICS: 49.140 - Space systems and operations
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 20/SC 13 - Space data and information transfer systems
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 20/SC 13 - Space data and information transfer systems
• Current Stage: 9060 - Close of review
• Completion Date: 04-Mar-2029

Overview

ISO 18382:2013 - "Space data and information transfer systems - Spacecraft onboard interface services - RFID-based inventory management systems" provides recommended practices for using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protocols to support inventory management on space missions. Adopted from CCSDS 881.0‑M‑1, the standard targets passive (unpowered) UHF RFID tags operating in the 860–960 MHz band and is applicable to both space‑based and ground‑based automated inventory systems. It focuses on interoperability and cross‑support among space agencies while explicitly excluding active RFID systems and RFID use for precision localization.

Key Topics

• Scope and applicability: Guidance for passive UHF RFID in spacecraft onboard interface services and terrestrial inventory support for space programs.
• Interoperability: Recommended practices designed to enable cross‑agency communications and system cross‑support, reducing integration risk between different member agencies.
• RF transmission characteristics: Considerations for UHF propagation, tag/read range tradeoffs, and environmental constraints encountered in spaceflight and ground test facilities.
• RFID standards and nomenclature: References to industry standards and tag classes (e.g., EPCglobal Class 1 Gen‑2 configurations are discussed in the document annexes).
• Operational recommendations: Best practices for tag selection, reader configuration, enclosure and portal implementations, and handheld audit scenarios (summarized in informative annexes).
• Security and conformance: Informative annexes cover security considerations, conformance and interoperability testing, glossary and regulatory band usage (ITU ISM bands and regional UHF allocations).

Applications and Who Uses It

ISO 18382:2013 is useful for:

• Space agencies and prime contractors designing onboard inventory management systems for spacecraft and space stations.
• Systems engineers specifying RFID tag selection, reader architecture, and interface services for launch, integration, and mission operations.
• Ground‑segment teams implementing automated receiving, storage, and deployment tracking that must interoperate with flight systems.
• Certification and test teams responsible for conformance, interoperability testing, and security assessments of RFID inventory systems in space programs.

Practical benefits include streamlined logistics, faster inventory audits, reduced manual handling errors, and a standardized foundation enabling multi‑agency collaboration and equipment cross‑support.

Related Standards

• CCSDS 881.0‑M‑1 (Recommended Practice) - the original CCSDS publication adopted by ISO.
• Industry RFID specifications (e.g., EPCglobal Class 1 Gen‑2) and regional UHF regulatory guidance referenced in annexes for frequency planning and compliance.

Keywords: ISO 18382:2013, RFID, passive UHF RFID, spacecraft inventory management, CCSDS, onboard interface services, interoperability.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 18382
First edition
2013-06-01
Space data and information transfer
systems — Spacecraft onboard interface
services — RFID-based inventory
management systems
Systèmes de transfert des informations et données spatiales —
Services d'interfaces à bord des véhicules spatiaux — Systèmes de
gestion des stocks basés sur la radiofréquence (RFID)

Reference number
©
ISO 2013
©  ISO 2013
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission.
Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
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ii © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2. www.iso.org/directives
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent
rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of
patent declarations received. www.iso.org/patents
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
ISO 18382 was prepared by the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) (as
CCSDS 881.0-M-1, May 2012) and was adopted (without modifications except those stated in Clause 2 of this
International Standard) by Technical Committee ISO/TC 20, Aircraft and space vehicles, Subcommittee
SC 13, Space data and information transfer systems.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 18382:2013(E)

Space data and information transfer systems — Spacecraft
onboard interface services — RFID-based inventory
management systems
1 Scope
This International Standard provides recommended practices for the utilization of Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) protocol and communication standards in support of inventory management activities
associated with space missions.
The recommended practices contained in this International Standard enable member agencies to select the
best option(s) available for interoperable RFID-based communications in the support of inventory
management applications. The specification of a Recommended Practice facilitates interoperable
communications and forms the foundation for cross-support of communication systems between separate
member space agencies.
This International Standard is targeted towards passive (unpowered) RFID tags transmitting in the 860 MHz –
960 MHz Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio band. The recommended practices are applicable to both
terrestrial (ground-based) and space-based automated inventory management systems utilizing only passive
RFID tags.
Active RFID systems and utilization of RFID tags for precision asset localization are not covered in this
International Standard.
The scope and field of application are furthermore detailed in subclause 1.3 of the enclosed CCSDS
publication.
2 Requirements
Requirements are the technical recommendations made in the following publication (reproduced on the
following pages), which is adopted as an International Standard:
CCSDS 881.0-M-1, May 2012, Spacecraft onboard interface services — RFID-based inventory management
systems.
For the purposes of international standardization, the modifications outlined below shall apply to the specific
clauses and paragraphs of publication CCSDS 881.0-M-1.
3 Revision of publication CCSDS 881.0-M-1
It has been agreed with the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems that Subcommittee
ISO/TC 20/SC 13 will be consulted in the event of any revision or amendment of publication CCSDS 881.0-
M-1. To this end, NASA will act as a liaison body between CCSDS and ISO.

(Blank page)
2 © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

Recommendation for Space Data System Practices
SPACECRAFT ONBOARD
INTERFACE SERVICES—
RFID-BASED INVENTORY
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE
CCSDS 881.0-M-1
MAGENTA BOOK
May 2012
(Blank page)
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
AUTHORITY
Issue: Recommended Practice, Issue 1
Date: May 2012
Location: Washington, DC, USA
This document has been approved for publication by the Management Council of the
Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) and represents the consensus
technical agreement of the participating CCSDS Member Agencies. The procedure for
review and authorization of CCSDS documents is detailed in Organization and Processes for
the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS A02.1-Y-3), and the record of
Agency participation in the authorization of this document can be obtained from the CCSDS
Secretariat at the address below.

This document is published and maintained by:

CCSDS Secretariat
Space Communications and Navigation Office, 7L70
Space Operations Mission Directorate
NASA Headquarters
Washington, DC 20546-0001, USA
CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page i May 2012
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) is an organization officially
established by the management of its members. The Committee meets periodically to address
data systems problems that are common to all participants, and to formulate sound technical
solutions to these problems. Inasmuch as participation in the CCSDS is completely voluntary,
the results of Committee actions are termed Recommendations and are not in themselves
considered binding on any Agency.
CCSDS Recommendations take two forms: Recommended Standards that are prescriptive
and are the formal vehicles by which CCSDS Agencies create the standards that specify how
elements of their space mission support infrastructure shall operate and interoperate with
others; and Recommended Practices that are more descriptive in nature and are intended to
provide general guidance about how to approach a particular problem associated with space
mission support. This Recommended Practice is issued by, and represents the consensus of,
the CCSDS members. Endorsement of this Recommended Practice is entirely voluntary
and does not imply a commitment by any Agency or organization to implement its
recommendations in a prescriptive sense.
No later than five years from its date of issuance, this Recommended Practice will be
reviewed by the CCSDS to determine whether it should: (1) remain in effect without change;
(2) be changed to reflect the impact of new technologies, new requirements, or new
directions; or (3) be retired or canceled.
In those instances when a new version of a Recommended Practice is issued, existing
CCSDS-related member Practices and implementations are not negated or deemed to be non-
CCSDS compatible. It is the responsibility of each member to determine when such Practices
or implementations are to be modified. Each member is, however, strongly encouraged to
direct planning for its new Practices and implementations towards the later version of the
Recommended Practice.
CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page ii May 2012
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
FOREWORD
This document is, as of the date of publication, the consensus result of the best practices for
inventory management systems utilizing wireless communications in support of space
missions.
Through the process of normal evolution, it is expected that expansion, deletion, or
modification of this document may occur. This Recommended Practice is therefore subject
to CCSDS document management and change control procedures, which are defined in the
Organization and Processes for the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems
(CCSDS A02.1-Y-3). Current versions of CCSDS documents are maintained at the CCSDS
Web site:
http://www.ccsds.org/
Questions relating to the contents or status of this document should be addressed to the
CCSDS Secretariat at the address indicated on page i.
CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page iii May 2012
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
At time of publication, the active Member and Observer Agencies of the CCSDS were:
Member Agencies
– Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI)/Italy.
– Canadian Space Agency (CSA)/Canada.
– Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES)/France.
– China National Space Administration (CNSA)/People’s Republic of China.
– Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR)/Germany.
– European Space Agency (ESA)/Europe.
– Federal Space Agency (FSA)/Russian Federation.
– Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE)/Brazil.
– Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/Japan.
– National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/USA.
– UK Space Agency/United Kingdom.
Observer Agencies
– Austrian Space Agency (ASA)/Austria.
– Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (BFSPO)/Belgium.
– Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TsNIIMash)/Russian Federation.
– China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General, Beijing Institute of Tracking
and Telecommunications Technology (CLTC/BITTT)/China.
– Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)/China.
– Chinese Academy of Space Technology (CAST)/China.
– Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO)/Australia.
– CSIR Satellite Applications Centre (CSIR)/Republic of South Africa.
– Danish National Space Center (DNSC)/Denmark.
– Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial (DCTA)/Brazil.
– European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites
(EUMETSAT)/Europe.
– European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (EUTELSAT)/Europe.
– Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA)/Thailand.
– Hellenic National Space Committee (HNSC)/Greece.
– Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)/India.
– Institute of Space Research (IKI)/Russian Federation.
– KFKI Research Institute for Particle & Nuclear Physics (KFKI)/Hungary.
– Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)/Korea.
– Ministry of Communications (MOC)/Israel.
– National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)/Japan.
– National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/USA.
– National Space Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NSARK)/Kazakhstan.
– National Space Organization (NSPO)/Chinese Taipei.
– Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST)/USA.
– Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK)/Turkey.
– Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)/Pakistan.
– Swedish Space Corporation (SSC)/Sweden.
CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page iv May 2012
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
– United States Geological Survey (USGS)/USA.
CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page v May 2012
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
DOCUMENT CONTROL
Document Title Date Status
CCSDS Spacecraft Onboard Interface May 2012 Current issue
881.0-M-1 Services—RFID-Based Inventory
Management Systems,
Recommended Practice, Issue 1
CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page vi May 2012
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
CONTENTS
Section Page
1 INTRODUCTION. 1-1

1.1 PURPOSE . 1-1
1.2 SCOPE . 1-1
1.3 APPLICABILITY . 1-1
1.4 RATIONALE . 1-1
1.5 DOCUMENT STRUCTURE . 1-2
1.6 CONVENTIONS . 1-2
1.7 REFERENCES . 1-3

2 OVERVIEW . 2-1

2.1 GENERAL . 2-1
2.2 RATIONALE AND BENEFITS . 2-1
2.3 RFID NOMENCLATURE AND DEFINITIONS . 2-2
2.4 RF TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS . 2-2
2.5 RFID STANDARDS . 2-4
2.6 EVOLUTION OF THE BOOK . 2-6

3 RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDED PRACTICE . 3-1

3.1 OVERVIEW . 3-1
3.2 RECOMMENDED PRACTICE . 3-1

ANNEX A SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS (INFORMATIVE) . A-1
ANNEX B CONFORMANCE AND INTEROPERABILITY (INFORMATIVE) .B-1
ANNEX C RFID INVENTORY MANAGEMENT (INFORMATIVE) . C-1
ANNEX D INFORMATIVE REFERENCES (INFORMATIVE) . D-1
ANNEX E GLOSSARY AND ABBREVIATIONS (INFORMATIVE) .E-1
ANNEX F ITU INDUSTRIAL, SCIENTIFIC, AND MEDICAL (ISM) BANDS
(INFORMATIVE) . F-1
ANNEX G UHF REGIONAL SPECTRUM UTILIZATION (INFORMATIVE) . G-1
Figure
C-1 RFID Enclosure .C-9

CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page vii May 2012
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
CONTENTS (continued)
Table Page
2-1 RFID Tag Classifications . 2-2
2-2 RFID Performance Characteristics in LF/HF/UHF Frequency Bands . 2-3
2-3 Summary of RFID Standards for Item Management with Frequency Bands . 2-4
2-4 Regional Regulatory Status for Using RFID in the UHF Spectrum . 2-5
C-1 ‘Quick-look’ Table for Space-Related RFID Use Cases .C-2
C-2 Applications Representative of EPCglobal Class 1 Gen-2 Configurations .C-5
C-3 Typical Operating Parameters for Handheld Reader Audit Use (Class 1 Gen-2) .C-7
C-4 Typical Operating Parameters for Handheld Reader Used to Locate Tagged Items
(Class 1 Gen-2) .C-8
C-5 Typical Operating Parameters for RFID Enclosures (Class 1 Gen-2) .C-9
C-6 Typical Operating Parameters for Portal-Based Readers (Class 1 Gen-2) .C-10
F-1 ITU Industrial, Scientific, and Medical RF Bands . F-1
G-1 UHF Frequency Plan for North America . G-1
G-2 UHF Frequency Plan for Europe . G-1
G-3 UHF Frequency Plan for China . G-2
G-4 UHF Default Frequency Plan for China . G-2
G-5 UHF Frequency Plan for Japan . G-2

CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page viii May 2012
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE
This document provides recommended practices for the utilization of Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) protocol and communication standards in support of inventory
management activities associated with space missions. Relevant technical background
information can be found in Wireless Network Communications Overview for Space Mission
Operations (reference [D4]).
The recommended practices contained in this report enable member agencies to select the
best option(s) available for interoperable RFID-based communications in the support of
inventory management applications. The specification of a Recommended Practice facilitates
interoperable communications and forms the foundation for cross-support of communication
systems between separate member space agencies.
1.2 SCOPE
This Recommended Practice is targeted towards passive (unpowered) RFID tags transmitting
in the 860 MHz – 960 MHz Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio band. The recommended
practices are applicable to both terrestrial (ground-based) and space-based automated
inventory management systems utilizing only passive RFID tags.
Active RFID systems and utilization of RFID tags for precision asset localization are not
covered in this Recommended Practice.
1.3 APPLICABILITY
This Recommended Practice specifies protocols that enable interoperable wireless inventory
management systems that utilize RFID technologies.
NOTE – Inclusion of any specific wireless technology does not constitute any
endorsement, expressed or implied, by the authors of this Recommended Practice
or the agencies that supported the composition of this Recommended Practice.
1.4 RATIONALE
From an engineering standpoint, mission managers, along with engineers and developers, are
faced with a plethora of wireless communication choices, both standards-based and
proprietary. A CCSDS RFID-based inventory management system Recommended Practice
provides guidance in the selection of systems necessary to achieve interoperable
communications in support of automated inventory management.
CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page 1-1 May 2012
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
1.5 DOCUMENT STRUCTURE
Section 2 provides an informational overview of the rationale and benefits of spacecraft
onboard wireless inventory management technologies for use in space operations. Included
are an overview and comparison of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
and the Electronic Product Code, known as EPCglobal, standards for RFID inventory
management systems. EPCglobal is a joint venture between GS1 (formerly known as EAN
International) and GS1 US (formerly the Uniform Code Council, Inc.). It is an organization
set up to achieve worldwide adoption and standardization of Electronic Product Code (EPC)
technology.
Section 3 provides a normative description for recommended practices and applicable
standards relating to RFID portal-based readers and RFID hand-held readers.
Annex A provides an overview of security concerns pertaining to RFID-based inventory
management systems.
Annex B discusses conformance and interoperability.
Annex C provides use cases and application profiles for RFID inventory management.
Annex D is a list of informative references.
Annex E is a glossary of abbreviations and terms used in this document.
Annex F provides a table of frequency ranges for ITU Industrial, Scientific, and Medical RF
Bands.
Annex G identifies UHF spectrum utilization for major regions.
1.6 CONVENTIONS
1.6.1 NOMENCLATURE
The following conventions apply for the normative specifications in this Recommended
Practice:
a) the words ‘shall’ and ‘must’ imply a binding and verifiable specification;
b) the word ‘should’ implies an optional, but desirable, specification;
c) the word ‘may’ implies an optional specification;
d) the words ‘is’, ‘are’, and ‘will’ imply statements of fact.
NOTE – These conventions do not imply constraints on diction in text that is clearly
informative in nature.
CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page 1-2 May 2012
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
1.6.2 INFORMATIVE TEXT
In the normative section of this document (section 3), informative text is set off from the
normative specifications either in notes or under one of the following subsection headings:
– Overview;
– Background;
– Rationale;
– Discussion.
1.7 REFERENCES
The following publications contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this document. At the time of publication, the editions indicated
were valid. All publications are subject to revision, and users of this document are
encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the
publications indicated below. The CCSDS Secretariat maintains a register of currently valid
CCSDS publications.
[1] EPC™ Radio-Frequency Identity Protocols—Class-1 Generation-2 UHF RFID
Protocol for Communications at 860 MHz - 960 MHz. Version 1.2.0. Specification for
RFID Air Interface. Brussels: GS1, October 2008.
[2] Information Technology—Radio Frequency Identification for Item Management—Part 6:
Parameters for Air Interface Communications at 860 MHz to 960 MHz. International
Standard, ISO/IEC 18000-6:2010. 2nd ed. Geneva: ISO, 2010.

For this issue of this Recommended Practice, only the cited edition applies.
CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page 1-3 May 2012
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RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
2 OVERVIEW
2.1 GENERAL
This section provides an overview of important practical issues associated with the utilization
of RFID technologies in support of inventory management systems for space missions. The
following subsections present an overview of:
– rationale and benefits of RFID for space-mission inventory management;
– basic RFID nomenclature and operation;
– important applicable protocol and transmission standards;
– RF spectrum planning notes; and
– the scope of interoperability to be achieved by adherence to recommended practices
specified.
The goal of specifying an RFID standard is to enable engineering projects to utilize
interoperable communication protocols, potentially in agency cross-support scenarios, that
are standards-based.
2.2 RATIONALE AND BENEFITS
Inventory management is a critical function in many aspects of space operations, in both
flight and ground segments. On the ground, thousands of controlled components and
assemblies are stored in bond rooms across multiple centers and space agencies. These
inventories are tightly controlled, typically using manual processes such as paper tags on
individual items or small collections of identical items, such as small bags with screws.
Other ground operations also require complex inventories, including tracking all laboratory
and office equipment with significant value.
Inventory management for flight applications entails an even greater degree of control, as
improperly substituted items and early depletion of certain items can be catastrophic. Most
short duration missions do not involve restocking, so resupply logistics are non-existent, but
initial stocking and tracking of inventories is nonetheless quite important. For most long
duration missions, resupply efforts are inherently complex, expensive, and infrequent.
The utilization of RFID tagging improves inventory visibility, leading to increased situational
(inventory level) awareness, a decrease in resupply mission cost, and improvement in
resupply mission efficiency.
CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page 2-1 May 2012
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
2.3 RFID NOMENCLATURE AND DEFINITIONS
An RFID system consists of readers (also termed interrogators) and tags.
An RFID reader transmits information to an RFID tag by modulating an RF signal in a
defined portion of the radio spectrum. Passive RFID tags receive both energy and
information from the reader-transmitted RF signal, while active RFID tags provide their own
power for radio transmission. Passive RFID tags respond to the reader-originated signal by
modulating the reflection coefficient of their antenna in a technique termed ‘backscatter’ to
provide an encoded informational response to the reader. See table 2-1 for standard RFID tag
classifications. Each RFID tag is designed to a specific protocol. The protocol defines how
the tag will communicate to the outside world. Built within the protocol are features such as
security (data encryption, lock abilities, etc.) and anti-collision algorithms.
Table 2-1: RFID Tag Classifications
Class Class Name Tag Functionality
1 Strictly Passive Surface Acoustic Purely passive, containing neither a
Wave (SAW) RFID Tags battery nor an IC chip
2 Passive IC-Based RFID Tags Passive; incident RF energy rectified to
power an IC
3 Semi-Passive Tags Onboard battery powers some functions,
but RF signal is typically backscattered
from incident field
4 Active Tags Battery-powered, longer range
The performance characteristics of tag and reader devices may vary drastically because of
application factors as well as the particulars of the RF air interface (frequency, modulation,
multiple access scheme, etc.). Of key concern is the matching of the various performance
characteristics to the user application (reference [D5]).
2.4 RF TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS
There are several different versions of RFID that operate at different radio frequencies. The
choice of frequency is dependent on the requirements of the application. Four primary
frequency bands that have been allocated for RFID use include (see table 2-2 for associated
transmission characteristics):
a) Low Frequency (125/134 KHz) – LF: Most commonly used for access control and
asset tracking;
CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page 2-2 May 2012
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
b) High Frequency (13.56 MHz) – HF: Used where medium data rate and read ranges
are required;
c) Ultra High Frequency (860 MHz to 960 MHz) – UHF;
d) Microwave Frequency (> 1 GHz).
Table 2-2: RFID Performance Characteristics in LF/HF/UHF Frequency Bands
Characteristics 125 - 150 kHz 13.56 MHz 860 - 960 MHz 2.45 GHz
/ Frequency (LF) (HF) (UHF) (microwave)
Antenna technology Air coil or ferrite Typically printed Multiple Multiple
coil
Typical read range < 0.5 m 1.5 m > 5 m > 5 m
Typical data transfer rate < 1 kbps 25 kbps  >128 kbps >128 kbps
Characteristics Short-range, low Higher read Long range, high Long range,
data transfer range, low-to- data transfer rate, high data
rate, some moderate data strongly attenuated transfer rate,
penetration of rates, attenuated by water and strongly
water and thin by water and metals attenuated by
metal metals water and
metals
Metal influence 0.2 mm 20 μm 3 μm 2 μm

(Approximate skin depth
in mm for Aluminum)
The choice of operational frequency has important design impacts for practical RFID use.
Engineering properties of higher frequency (e.g., UHF) tags include:
a) smaller tag antennas, typically the largest physical tag component;
b) less diffraction / increased shadowing;
c) shallower penetration of lossy and conductive media;
d) higher implementation cost;
e) potential for spatial diversity.
While lower frequency (e.g., LF) RFID system properties include:
a) larger antennas;
b) greater diffraction / decreased shadowing;
c) lower implementation cost;
d) spatial diversity limited by long wavelengths.
CCSDS 881.0-M-1 Page 2-3 May 2012
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Since UHF can cover dock or door portals up to 3 meters wide, it has gained widespread
industry support as the choice bandwidth for inventory tracking applications including pallets
and cases. For item-level applications, the read range requirements are often just as long. For
some item-level tagging applications, however, it can become difficult to place tags in
positions to avoid liquids and metals.
2.5 RFID STANDARDS
ISO and EPCglobal represent two of the more recognized RFID standardization efforts.
From a pragmatic perspective both ISO and EPCglobal strive to produce an RFID
communication and data exchange standard to enable interoperability of multi-vendor
systems. Historically, communication protocol standards have almost exclusively been the
domain of IEEE and ISO. The Electronic Product Code (EPC) is not an international
standard approved by ISO. However, EPC has significant traction because of the familiar
UPC bar codes and member clout of the EPCglobal consortium. An important observation is
that the EPC deals with more than just how tags and readers communicate: EPCglobal has
established and maintains network standards to govern how EPC data is shared among
companies and other organizations.
Table 2-3: Summary of RFID Standards for Item Management with Frequency Bands
HF
Frequency LF   HF UHF UHF
13.36
Band 125/134.2 kHz 433 MHz 860-960 MHz 2.45 GHz
MHz
ISO 18000-6A
ISO 18000-2A
ISO ISO 18000-3 ISO 18000-7 ISO 18000-6B  ISO 18000-4
ISO 18000-2B
ISO 18000-6C
Class 0
EPCglobal    Class 1
Class 1 Gen 2
RFID standards have been established for the HF (13.65 MHz), UHF (860-960 MHz), and
Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM—2.45 GHz) bands by the International Organization
for Standardization under the ISO 18000 series as shown in table 2-3. For the UHF frequency
band that includes the popular 860-960 MHz ISM spectrum, ISO standard 18000-6 is the
governing standard. The 18000-6 standard details the parameters for how interrogators send
and receive data from UHF tags. It also specifies the frequencies and channels to be used, as
well as bandwidth, channel utilization, frequency-hopping specifications, and other technical
details. The two earlier amendments (A and B) to the 18000-6 protocols describe specific
data-encoding schemes.
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RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
The UHF standard ISO 18000-6 has been widely adopted by industry and has evolved in
practice to a working system that has been made into an augmented standard by EPCglobal,
termed ‘Class 1, Generation-2’, or ‘Class 1 Gen-2’; this augmentation has been fed back into
the ISO standard to become ISO 18000-6 mode C. The Class 1 Gen-2 air interface standard
establishes a single UHF (860-960 MHz) specification that addresses UHF spectrum
regulations in differing terrestrial regions. Thus the EPCglobal Class 1 Gen-2 document has
become the de-facto standard for inventory management in UHF using RFID. This process is
also underway for the HF band, currently governed by ISO 18000-3.
The EPCglobal Class 1 Gen-2 is one of the most rapidly growing standards with substantial
industrial deployments worldwide (see reference [1]). Interrogators operate somewhere within
the 860-960 MHz band, whereas tags are required to operate over that full range. European
readers typically operate in the lower part of that band, whereas U.S. readers operate in the
upper part. EPC Class 1 Gen-2 utilizes passive, IC-based RFID tags. Range has been reported
historically as less than 3.3 meters, although at the time of this publication, ranges in the
vicinity of 6.6 meters or more are not uncommon with moderate gain (e.g., 8 dBi) interrogator
antennas and approximately 1W transmit power. The EPC Class 1 Gen-2 specification
forecasts future classes with advanced features such as sensor capabilities, tag-to-tag
communications, and ad hoc networking.
Table 2-4 summarizes the regional (terrestrial) regulatory status for using RFID in the UHF
spectrum (reference [D1]). A status of ‘OK’ implies regulations are in place or will be in
place shortly; a status of ‘I/P’ implies appropriate regulations are in progress—as of August
2010—and should be completed as of August 2011. See annex G for regional UHF channel
allocations covering primary international RF spectrum allocation policies.
Table 2-4: Regional Regulatory Status for Using RFID in the UHF Spectrum
Region Status Frequency Power Protocol
Technique
China OK 840.5-844.5 2W erp FHSS
920.5-924.5 MHz 2W erp FHSS
Europe OK 865.6-867.6 MHz 2W erp No longer use
LBT*
ETSI EN 302 208
Japan OK 952-954 MHz 4W eirp LBT (note)
North OK 902-928 MHz 4W eirp FHSS
America
Russia I/P 865.6-867.6 MHz 2W erp LBT*
ETSI EN 302 208
Source: reference [D1].
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RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
NOTE – LBT: Listen Before Talk (see reference [D2] for more information
regarding LBT protocol).
2.6 EVOLUTION OF THE BOOK
This Recommended Practice addresses only RFID tag and reader interoperability in the UHF
(860-960 MHz) frequency band. As space-related applications arise that cannot be fulfilled
based on the recommendations of this Recommended Practice, evolution of this book will be
considered. Methods to extend or adapt previous recommendations will be considered with
preference over adoption of new standards, providing the resulting performance and cost are
advantageous relative to those associated with adoption of one or more new standards.

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RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
3 RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDED
PRACTICE
3.1 OVERVIEW
This section presents the recommended practice of utilizing the ISO 18000-6C/EPCglobal
Class 1 Gen-2 RFID communication standard for PHY/MAC interoperability. Annex C
provides additional information, discussion, and application profiles associated with the
recommended practice.
The recommended practice pertains to RFID systems that provide stored data only, as
opposed to sensor telemetry. Applications are considered where no direct active tag power is
required, which necessitates short-range communication and Interrogator-Talk-First (ITF)
protocols. (See reference [D4] for supporting technical background.)
3.2 RECOMMENDED PRACTICE
3.2.1 EPCGLOBAL CLASS 1 GENERATION-2 UHF RFID PROTOCOL
For onboard spacecraft or internal-vehicle inventory management via wireless RFID, the air
interface standard shall be the EPCglobal Class 1 Generation-2 UHF RFID Protocol for
communications at 860 MHz – 960 MHz (references [1] and [2]).
NOTES
1 In 2006, ISO approved the EPC Class 1 Gen-2 standard as an amendment to its
18000-6 standard, as ISO 18000-6C.
2 Level of interoperability: Specific applications may necessitate greater interoperability
at the Application Layer than is provided by the recommended practice. For
maximum Application Layer interoperability the utilization of the Low Level Reader
Protocol (LLRP) described in C2 is recommended.
3.2.2 RESTRICTIONS/HAZARDS
3.2.2.1 Explosive Environments
Caution should be exercised with respect to compliance with governing regulations for RF
transmissions, particularly in potentially explosive environments.
3.2.2.2 RF Exposure
Also, due consideration should be given to avoid RF exposure that exceeds limits established
by the local governing regulations.
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RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
3.2.2.3 RF Scattering
Consideration should be given to scattering environments characterized by small confines
with highly conductive perimeters within which resonances can result in increased field
levels.
NOTE – Commercially available readers based on EPCglobal C1 Gen-2 typically transmit
up to one Watt RF power.
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RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
ANNEX A
SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
(INFORMATIVE)
A1 INTRODUCTION
RFID technology is evolving rapidly, and along with the potential benefits, there are also
associated certain risks. An RFID system typically comprises an RF subsystem in addition to
more traditional data networks and databases, possibly in the form of an enterprise or inter-
enterprise architecture. The risks and controls discussed herein focus on those that are unique
to RFID technology as opposed to general information technology. Risks and controls
associated with conventional network security are considered beyond the scope of this
document. Much of the security terminology and description of risks and controls in this
annex is adopted from reference [D10]. The reader is referred to reference [D10] for more
in-depth treatment. The intent of this annex is to summarize and discuss the primary security
concerns as applied to the management and tracking of space-based inventories.
A2 RFID RISKS
A2.1 GENERAL
Identification of risks and applicable controls presented herein are taken in large part from
reference [D10], in which RFID risks are categorized as business process risks, business
intelligence risks, privacy risks, and externality risks. These risks are summarized below,
with some discussion on the relevance to the applications served by this book. Following
summarization of the risks, controls intended to mitigate risks are discussed.
A2.2 BUSINESS RISK
Business process risk pertains to the threat to the business operations, for which RFID
technology was intended to serve, when the technology is compromised. The severity of the
risk depends, in part, on the criticality of the underlying business mission and its dependence
upon RFID technology, and the presence and robustness of a backup system (continuity
planning) should the RFID technology fail. The physical environment of the RFID
technology and the existence of adversaries are also factors that characterize the business
process risk.
Typically, missions involving human spaceflight are highly dependent upon adherence to
timelines. Estimates of the monetary values of crew time are usually quite high. Thus
minimizing time associated with conducting inventories is likely more critical for space
operations than for most terrestrial business operations. Furthermore, once the crew and
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RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR RFID-BASED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
ground operations personnel become accustomed to the timesavings afforded by RFID
technology, less crew time will be allocated for conducting inventories. In this case, an
unanticipated failure of the RFID system is likely to have significant impact on the crew
schedules.
Science missions are also likely to build dependencies on RFID technology. If the crew is
unable to locate items required for an experiment, thus delaying its execution, ground
controllers often have to spend considerable resources rescheduling crew activities. The loss
of science sample identities could also have costly impacts. Samples with lost or damaged
tags could result in extreme losses if an experiment has to be repeated or is abandoned. Thus
a substantial collapse of a space-based RFID inventory system could have considerable
consequences on a mission. An inability to quickly locate critical on-board equipment could
entail even more severe ramifications. For all of the reasons stated, a backup plan in the
event of RFID failures should be established.
For space applications of RFID, the physical environment is typically a risk requiring
mitigation. Exposure to extreme environments can include temperatures, vacuum, and
ionizing radiation.
A2.3 BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE RISK
Business intelligence risk is typically associated with the loss of sensitive information to
adversaries of the organization deploying RFID. The attributes of RFID technology that
render it a valuable tool, that is, the independence from line-of-sight for automated
identification capture and the ability to interrogate tags remotely, provide opportunities for
espionage. Such information can be exploited in near-term exploits such as targeting, in
which an adversary remotely identifies items worth stealing (reference [D10]). Or, monitored
tag interrogations can permit data accumulation over an extended time by adversaries in order
to discern business practices or proprietary methods, such as dependence on a specific type of
item or combination of
...