ISO 24917-2020 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 24917:2020 — Space systems — General test requirements for launch vehicles. This International Standard establishes general test requirements and guidance for the planning, execution and reporting of tests on launch vehicles (primarily those with liquid‑propellant engines) across development and verification activities.

Abstract

This document specifies general test requirements applicable to launch vehicles launched from stationary ground-, sea- and air-based launchers and covers test program structure, test objectives, instrumentation, data acquisition and reporting, and the verification/validation activities needed to demonstrate conformance with system requirements throughout development and operational phases.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: July 2020 (Edition 2, 2020).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 — Space systems and operations.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2020), revision of ISO 24917:2010.
• Number of pages: 37 pages (official ISO publication).

Scope

ISO 24917:2020 provides general test requirements for launch vehicles equipped with liquid‑propellant engines, covering tests performed during all phases of development and verification and applicable to vehicles launched from ground-, sea- and air‑based platforms. It sets out high‑level expectations for test planning, safety, instrumentation, data handling and test reporting to support objective verification of launcher performance and reliability.

Key topics and requirements

• Framework for test program planning and test campaign phasing (development, qualification, acceptance, flight‑test).
• Definition of test objectives, success/acceptance criteria and traceability to system requirements.
• Requirements for instrumentation, sensors, telemetry and data acquisition to ensure adequate measurement fidelity.
• Guidance on environmental, structural, propulsion and subsystem testing applicable to launch vehicles.
• Safety management for test activities, hazard analysis and risk mitigation during ground and flight tests.
• Data reduction, analysis, reporting, and archiving of test results for verification and certification purposes.
• Requirements for test documentation, configuration control and test‑report content to support independent review.

Typical use and users

Primary users include launch vehicle designers and manufacturers, test engineers, systems verification and validation teams, space agencies, launch service providers, test‑range operators, certification bodies and regulatory authorities involved in launcher qualification and acceptance testing. The standard is used to structure test programs, specify instrumentation and ensure consistent test reporting and evidence for verification.

Related standards

ISO 24917:2020 is produced by ISO/TC 20/SC 14 (Space systems and operations) and replaces the 2010 edition (ISO 24917:2010). It is intended to be used alongside other ISO and national standards addressing spacecraft and launch system requirements, safety, interfaces and environmental/test methods from the ISO/TC 20 portfolio.

Keywords

launch vehicle, space systems, test requirements, verification, validation, liquid‑propellant, ground test, flight test, instrumentation, telemetry, test reporting

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 24917:2020 is an International Standard that provides general test requirements for launch vehicles, focusing on test program planning, instrumentation, data handling and reporting to support verification of launcher performance.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers high‑level requirements and guidance for tests performed on launch vehicles (particularly those with liquid‑propellant engines) launched from ground, sea or air platforms across development, qualification and operational phases — including test objectives, instrumentation, data acquisition, safety and reporting.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Launch vehicle manufacturers, test and systems engineers, space agencies, launch service providers, test‑range operators and certification/regulatory bodies use this standard to plan and execute launcher test campaigns and to produce verifiable test evidence.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 24917:2020 is the current edition (Edition 2, 2020). The ISO record indicates the publication was reviewed and confirmed (review status updated in 2025), so this version remains current at present.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of ISO space‑systems standards produced by ISO/TC 20/SC 14. It specifically revises and replaces ISO 24917:2010 but is one document among other ISO standards addressing spacecraft, launch‑vehicle interfaces, testing and safety.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords are launch vehicle, test requirements, space systems, verification, validation, instrumentation, telemetry, ground test, flight test.