ISO 23135-2022 PDF

Full title and description

Space systems — Verification programme and management process. This international standard specifies requirements for planning, organising and executing verification programmes for manned and unmanned space systems (including launch and ground segments) and for the management processes that support distributed verification across contractors and suppliers.

Abstract

The standard establishes requirements for a distributed verification programme that begins at the lowest WBS/element level and from the earliest lifecycle phases (requirements) through acceptance, delivery reviews and launch‑site activities. It is intended to support verification associated with space, launch and ground segment acquisitions and to be of benefit to related support segments (range safety, ground support equipment, launch operation facilities).

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 31 March 2022.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space systems and operations).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2022).
• Number of pages: 28.

Scope

ISO 23135:2022 applies to the planning and execution of verification programmes for space systems and elements developed by contractors across a distributed supply chain. The standard covers verification activities from requirement definition through design, integration and test, acceptance/delivery review and launch‑site verification; it is primarily aimed at space, launch and ground segment acquisitions but is also applicable to supporting infrastructure and operations.

Key topics and requirements

• Establishment of a distributed verification programme implemented at each WBS/element level (contractor-level verification responsibilities).
• Requirements for verification planning, traceability, verification matrices and evidence (e.g., VCRM, SVL and related documentation practices).
• Guidance for integration & test (I&T) campaigns, technical readiness and review activities (TRR, acceptance and delivery reviews).
• Management processes for verification risk, change control, issue reporting and escalation to programme risk boards.
• Applicability to manned and unmanned systems, and to space, launch and ground segments (with applicability to range safety and ground support equipment).

These topics are presented as normative requirements and supporting guidance to ensure consistent verification across multi‑party programmes.

Typical use and users

Intended users include system and verification engineers, programme and project managers, verification leads, contractors/subcontractors, quality and configuration managers, integration and test teams, and launch/ground operations and range safety personnel. Typical uses are to design and implement distributed verification programmes, prepare verification documentation for reviews, plan I&T and acceptance activities, and manage verification-related risks across supply chains.

Related standards

ISO 23135:2022 complements other ISO space standards and project-management guidance. Relevant related documents include ISO 14620 (space systems — safety requirements), ISO 21349 (space systems — project reviews) and ISO 21511 (work breakdown structures for projects) among others used in programme planning, safety and review processes. Users often apply these together when developing verification and safety programmes.

Keywords

Verification programme, verification management, space systems, distributed verification, integration & test (I&T), VCRM, SVL, acceptance review, launch site verification, ground segment, range safety.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 23135:2022 is an international standard that specifies requirements and processes for planning and managing verification programmes for space systems and related segments.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers verification planning and execution from requirements through design, integration and test, acceptance/delivery reviews and launch‑site activities, and defines how verification responsibilities are distributed across contractors and WBS elements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: System and verification engineers, programme and project managers, verification leads, contractors/subcontractors, quality/configuration managers, I&T teams, and launch/ground operations and range safety personnel.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is a current, published ISO International Standard (published 31 March 2022). Users should check ISO or their national body for any later revisions or confirmations.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone standard within the ISO space systems portfolio but is intended to be used alongside other ISO space standards (e.g., safety and review standards) and project-management guidance to provide a complete verification and programme‑assurance framework.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Verification programme, distributed verification, space systems verification, integration & test, VCRM, SVL, acceptance review, launch site verification.