ISO 23135:2022

Overview

ISO 23135:2022 - Space systems - Verification programme and management process - provides a standardized framework of requirements for planning and executing verification programmes across commercial and non‑commercial manned and unmanned space systems. The standard defines a distributed verification programme that assigns verification responsibility to each contractor working on any element (unit, subsystem, system) from requirements definition through acceptance, delivery and launch‑site activities. It addresses verification for space, launch and ground segments and is applicable to associated support elements such as ground support equipment and range safety.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 23135:2022 structures verification management into six core VM processes and associated programme requirements:

• VM Process 1 - Requirements flow‑down and specification establishment

  • Ensure clear requirements at each level and contractual ownership of specifications.

• VM Process 2 - Verification Cross‑Reference Matrix (VCRM)

  • Map each specification requirement to a verification method (analysis, test, inspection, demonstration).

• VM Process 3 - Integration & Test (I&T)

  • Define I&T plans, test environments, operational tests, Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), discrepancy resolution and “as tested” data.

• VM Process 4 - Specification Verification Ledger (SVL)

  • Maintain an auditable ledger documenting verification status, evidence and traceability for system elements.

• VM Process 5 - Acceptance and Delivery Review

  • Standardize acceptance/delivery packages, entry/exit criteria and summaries (FCA/PCA) for handover.

• VM Process 6 - Verification‑related risk and issue/watch list management

  • Track verification issues, report to programme risk boards and manage watch lists.

Other requirements include distributed programme management per WBS element, verification plan reviews, flow‑down to subcontractors/vendors, coordination with review boards, validation support (DT&E/OT&E), and processes for late changes and heritage/commercial system integration.

Practical applications and users

ISO 23135:2022 is intended for organizations involved in space system acquisition and development, including:

• System and test engineers
• Programme/system managers and verification leads
• Contractors, subcontractors and vendors developing space, launch and ground segments
• Quality, configuration and risk managers
• Launch operations, range safety and ground‑support teams

Typical uses:

• Designing and executing distributed verification programmes across multi‑party supply chains
• Preparing VCRMs and SVLs to demonstrate requirements closure
• Planning I&T campaigns, TRRs and acceptance/delivery reviews
• Managing verification risks, late changes, and reuse of heritage/commercial systems

Related standards and references

• ISO 23135:2022 complements space system guidance such as ISO 21349 (WBS guidance) and industry practices (e.g., AIAA S‑117) and supports readiness reviews (IRR/LRR), DT&E and OT&E processes.

Keywords: ISO 23135:2022, space systems verification, verification programme management, VCRM, SVL, integration and test, acceptance review, distributed verification programme.