Error correction encoder for in-flight programmable spacecraft

An error correction encoding system (20) is provided for use in an in-flight programmable spacecraft. The error correction encoding system (22) includes a first data routing switch (22) which receives an uncoded data stream and directs the uncoded data stream to either of a first encoding device (26) or a second encoding device (24). The first encoding device (26) receives the uncoded data stream from the first data routing switch (22) and applies a first encoding function. Alternatively, the second encoding device (24), having a plurality of programmable logic blocks, receives the uncoded data stream from the first data routing switch (22) and applies a second encoding function. A controller (30) is connected to the second encoding device (24) for configuring the plurality of programmable logic blocks to perform the second encoding function. Lastly, a second data routing switch (22) receives a coded data stream from either of the first encoding device (26) or the second encoding device (24) and outputs a coded data stream.