[CESG] Polling for Time Management Working Group Deputy Chair

Mon Feb 9 15:37:08 EST 2026

Hi Jim,

I think Brian (copied on this message) can set up the poll.

FYI, based on the current yellow book, below is what Gemini came up with when asked to indicate the process for a WG or Deputy WG Chair appointment/selection.  I think the key bits in this case are:

"Existing WGs: When a replacement is needed, the respective Area Director (AD) typically identifies and proposes a candidate."

And

"The Secretariat initiates a formal poll of the CESG members".

Best regards,
-Erik

The procedure for selecting a Working Group (WG) Chair or Deputy Chair within the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) is governed by the document CCSDS A02.1-Y-4: Organization and Processes.
The process is designed to ensure technical expertise and international fairness, emphasizing consensus across the participating space agencies.
________________________________
1. Candidate Qualifications
Before the selection process begins, candidates must meet specific criteria:

  *   Technical Expertise: Candidates must be recognized leading technical experts in the field covered by the Working Group.
  *   Organizational Affiliation: Candidates can come from any organization (including industry) and do not need to be employees of a space agency.
  *   Independence: They must demonstrate the ability to function independently of their own agency's agenda to lead the development of international consensus.
  *   Sponsorship: All appointees must have a sponsor (typically their home agency or company) that commits to supporting their salary and travel for meetings.
2. The Selection Process
The selection follows a structured workflow involving the Area Director (AD), the Management Council (CMC), and the Engineering Steering Group (CESG).
Step 1: Proposal of Candidates
The method of proposal depends on whether the Working Group is new or existing:

  *   New WGs: During the formation stage, the Birds of a Feather (BOF) group-the precursor to a WG-proposes initial candidates for Chair and Deputy Chair.
  *   Existing WGs: When a replacement is needed, the respective Area Director (AD) typically identifies and proposes a candidate.
Step 2: Open Call to the CMC
To ensure fairness and tap into global resources, the AD must invite the CCSDS Management Council (CMC) via email to propose additional candidates.

  *   For New WGs: The CMC has 14 calendar days to respond with nominations.
  *   For Existing WGs: The CMC has 30 calendar days to respond.
Step 3: Formal Nomination
After the response period, the Area Director reviews all candidates and determines the final nominee(s). It is often considered best practice to select a Deputy Chair from a different agency than the Chair to maintain a broad balance of interests.
Step 4: Final Appointment (CESG Poll)
The final appointment is not made by the CMC, but by the CESG (CCSDS Engineering Steering Group).

  *   The Secretariat initiates a formal poll of the CESG members.
  *   Approval is reached through the CCSDS consensus process.
  *   For new WGs, a single poll usually handles both the formation of the group and the appointment of its leadership.

________________________________
Summary Table: Selection Timeline
WG Status
Who Proposes Initial Candidate?
CMC Review Period
Final Approval Body
New WG
BOF Group
14 Days
CESG Poll
Existing WG
Area Director (AD)
30 Days
CESG Poll

From: CESG <cesg-bounces at mailman.ccsds.org> On Behalf Of Lux, Jim (US 430E) via CESG
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 12:28
To: CESG All <cesg at mailman.ccsds.org>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [CESG] Polling for Time Management Working Group Deputy Chair

What's the process for starting this poll:
I sent this last year on 9 October.

Hiroshi Takeuchi has nominated  Dr. Yukio Yamamoto for the position of Deputy Chair of the Time Working Group within the Systems Engineering Area.

He has provided the following bio and recommendation:
I am an expert in ground data processing and archiving for deep space exploration at JAXA, with a track record of contributing to numerous projects. In particular, I have been responsible for archiving Japanese planetary exploration data and served as Chair of the International Planetary Data Alliance (IPDA) from 2023 to 2024. Additionally, as a member of the CCSDS Time Synchronization Working Group since its establishment, I have participated in international standardization efforts for time synchronization and contributed to the editing of green books, blue books, and yellow books. Furthermore, I have been involved in developing JAXA's time calibration system, providing the time correction support for various missions including Hayabusa2, ERG, SLIM, XRISM, MMO, and MMX.

-----------

Yamamoto-san is actively involving in the CCSDS Time WG recent year.

He took another young JAXA guy to the WG last year, and both of them are wishing to actively work for the WG.

He is an active data scientist and has extensive experience as the chairperson of IPDA (International Planetary Data Alliance) steering committee

https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/ipda2022/programme<https://urldefense.us/v3/__https:/www.cosmos.esa.int/web/ipda2022/programme__;!!PvBDto6Hs4WbVuu7!PTX8k4ja4Ldf1nan7ZrM7i819cF3rLgA1Bps0-wpcQyG6H5bOYQy9eYToxWo6ABnusIl0ANGDDICS9meK-yXPpdfZw$>
as described in his biographical summary.

Therefore I believe he is the right person for the deputy WG chair of Time WG.

Thank you!

Hiroshi

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James Lux
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