The system is intended for gathering and storage of payload and housekeeping data on the ERS spacecraft with the subsequent high-rate transmission of these data to ground-based complexes for acquisition, processing and dissemination of ERS data to end users.

The system is composed of input stream switch, service-based data collection unit, storage device with a capacity of no less than 1000 Gbyte, interblock fiber-optic data transmission lines, transmitting devices, antennas with drives and power amplifiers.

The system operates in X-band, provides data transmission rates of up to 1200 Mbit/sec with 0,999999 reliability. It’s equipped with the devices, provided for the protection against unauthorized access. The system is available in two versions, depending on its location: for placing inside pressurized and unpressurized spacecraft compartments.⁠