ISO 22641:2012 specifies synchronization and channel coding schemes for use with the TM Space Data Link Protocol (according to ISO 22645:2005) or the AOS Space Data Link Protocol (according to ISO 22666:2007), which are intended to be used over space-to-ground or space-to-space communications links by space missions.

ISO 22641:2012 defines synchronization and channel coding schemes in terms of

1. the services provided to the users of this specification,
2. data formats, and
3. the procedures performed to generate and process the data formats.

ISO 22641:2012 does not specify

1. individual implementations or products,
2. the methods or technologies required to perform the procedures, or
3. the management activities required to configure and control the system.