ISO 24638-2021 PDF

Full title and description

Space systems — Pressure components and pressure system integration. This international standard establishes baseline requirements for the design, fabrication, testing, assembly, installation, inspection, operation and maintenance of pressure components and integrated pressure systems used in spacecraft and launch vehicles.

Abstract

The document sets out requirements to ensure safe and reliable operation of pressure components (lines, fittings, valves, bellows, hoses and similar components) integrated into spaceflight pressure systems. It excludes pressure vessels and pressurized structures (which are covered by a separate standard) and does not apply to engine components.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 13 May 2021 (May 2021).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space systems and operations).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2021).
• Number of pages: 27 (ISO published count).

Scope

Applies to pressure components (excluding pressure vessels and pressurised structures) in spacecraft and launch vehicles. The standard covers design, materials, fabrication, testing, assembly and installation, inspection, operation and maintenance of lines, fittings, valves, bellows, hoses and other integrated pressure-system components. It is intended to provide requirements that, when implemented, raise confidence in safe, reliable pressure-system performance; engine components are explicitly excluded.

Key topics and requirements

• Baseline requirements for design and material selection of spaceflight pressure components.
• Fabrication and workmanship criteria specific to flight hardware.
• Testing and acceptance: pressure/leak testing, proof testing and acceptance inspection.
• Assembly, installation and integration requirements for pressure systems.
• Inspection, maintenance and in-service considerations for system reliability and safety.
• Documentation, traceability and configuration control for components and assemblies.
• Requirements to segregate responsibilities between pressure components and pressure vessels (reference to the separate pressure-vessel standard).
• Exclusions and applicability (e.g., engine components not covered).

Typical use and users

Used by spacecraft and launch-vehicle systems engineers, mechanical designers, suppliers and manufacturers of pressure components (lines, valves, fittings, hoses, bellows), procurement and quality managers, test laboratories, and regulatory or certification bodies responsible for flight hardware safety and reliability.

Related standards

Primary related document: ISO 14623 (Space systems — Pressure vessels and pressurized structures — Design and operation), which covers pressure vessels and pressurized structures excluded from ISO 24638. Other space-systems design, test and materials standards from ISO/TC 20/SC 14 and accepted space engineering collections are commonly referenced alongside ISO 24638 in procurement and design specifications.

Keywords

space systems, pressure components, pressure system integration, fittings, valves, hoses, lines, design requirements, fabrication, testing, inspection, maintenance, ISO 24638:2021

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 24638:2021 is an international standard titled "Space systems — Pressure components and pressure system integration" that defines baseline requirements for pressure components and their integration into spacecraft and launch-vehicle pressure systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the design, material selection, fabrication, testing, assembly/installation, inspection, operation and maintenance of pressure components such as lines, fittings, valves, bellows and hoses used in spaceflight systems; it excludes pressure vessels/pressurised structures and engine components.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Spacecraft and launch-vehicle engineers and designers, component suppliers, quality and procurement teams, test houses and certification/regulatory stakeholders use this standard to specify and verify pressure-system hardware and procedures.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 24638, 2nd edition, was published in May 2021 (13 May 2021 is the published date shown by reseller records). The 2021 edition replaced the earlier 2008 edition; there is no public record of a newer ISO replacement or withdrawal of ISO 24638:2021 as of 1 March 2026. Users should confirm with their national standards body or ISO for any notices after that date.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the family of ISO standards for space systems produced by ISO/TC 20/SC 14. Complementary standards exist for pressure vessels and pressurised structures (ISO 14623) and for other space-system design, test and materials topics; projects under ISO/TC 20/SC 14 may produce related documents.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Pressure components, pressure systems, space systems, fittings, valves, hoses, lines, design, testing, inspection, ISO 24638, pressure system integration.