There is a number of communication protocols that can be used in conjunction with the SpaceWire Standard (ECSS-E-ST-50-12), to provide a comprehensive set of services for onboard user applications. To distinguish between the various protocols a protocol identifier is used, as specified in ECSS-E-ST-50-51.

This Standard specifies the CCSDS packet transfer protocol, which is one of these protocols that works over SpaceWire.

The aim of the CCSDS Packet Transfer Protocol is to transfer CCSDS Packets across a SpaceWire network. It does this by encapsulating the CCSDS Packet in a SpaceWire packet, transferring it across the SpaceWire network and then extracting the CCSDS Packet at the target.

This standard may be tailored for the specific characteristic and constrains of a space project in conformance with ECSS-S-ST-00.