ISO 13419:2003 specifies the requirements for spacecraft packet telemetry systems. Packet telemetry is a concept which facilitates the transmission of space-acquired data from source to user in a standardized highly automated manner. Packet telemetry provides a mechanism for implementing common data transport structures and protocols, which may enhance the development and operation of space mission systems.

ISO 13419:2003 addresses two processes: the end-to-end transport of space mission data sets from source application processes located in space to distributed user application processes located on the ground, and the intermediate transfer of these data sets through space data acquisition networks, which contain spacecraft, radio links, tracking stations, ground communications circuits and mission control centres as some of their components.

ISO 13419:2003 is limited to describing the telemetry formats, which are generated by the spacecraft in order to execute its role in the above processes. It includes comprehensive specification of the structure of data streams that are generated by remote space vehicles for telemetering to space mission data processing facilities (which are usually located on Earth). It does not attempt to define the architecture or configuration of these data processing facilities, except to describe assumed ground data handling services, which affect the selection of certain on-board formatting options.

ISO 13419:2003 specifies a wide range of formatting capabilities, which may facilitate a high degree of flexibility in the design of spacecraft data acquisition systems; however, compatibility with the packet telemetry concept may be realized by only implementing a narrow subset of these capabilities.