The Interagency Operations Advisory Group (IOAG) is a collaborative organization that facilitates coordination between international space agencies to enhance interoperability and cooperation in space operations. It serves as a forum for space agencies to discuss and develop recommendations on issues related to cross-support, communication, and network interoperability for space missions.
The IOAG helps ensure that space missions from different countries can work together efficiently, particularly in areas like deep-space exploration, satellite communications, and disaster response efforts. By promoting interoperability, it helps reduce costs and improve mission success rates for participating space agencies.
Key Functions of IOAG:
- Interoperability & Standards – Works to establish common standards for space communications and operations to ensure seamless collaboration between agencies.
- Cross-Support Agreements – Facilitates agreements between agencies to allow shared use of ground stations, relay satellites, and other infrastructure.
- Future Planning – Helps coordinate global space network infrastructure and capabilities to support future missions.
- Data & Resource Sharing – Promotes efficient sharing of resources such as tracking, telemetry, and command services.
- Collaboration on Emerging Technologies – Advises on the integration of new technologies into space communication networks.
Objectives
The IOAG was founded by the Interoperability Plenary (IOP) to:
- Understand issues related to interagency interoperability and other space communications matters;
- Identify solutions complying with IOP policies; and,
- Recommend resolutions to the IOP for specific actions by the IOP.
The IOAG provides a forum for identifying common needs across multiple agencies related to mission operations, space communications, and navigation interoperability. The IOAG will undertake activities it deems appropriate related to multi-agency space communications. A specific IOAG goal is the achievement of full interoperability among member space agencies. This goal will be obtained by holding periodic meetings in accordance with the procedures set forth in the IOAG Procedures Manual. The IOAG operates under an established framework agreement called the Terms of Reference.