ISO 23670:2021

Overview

ISO 23670:2021 - Space systems - Vibration testing provides guidance and requirements for performing vibration tests on spacecraft, subsystems and units. The standard defines methods to characterise launch and ground vibration environments, and addresses techniques to avoid unnecessary over‑testing, notably force limited vibration (FLV) and response/force notching. Its technical requirements are intended for tailoring to specific test objectives.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & intent: Guidance for test providers and stakeholders to implement vibration testing that verifies design integrity and detects manufacturing defects without over‑testing.
• Vibration types: Differentiates sinusoidal vibration (e.g., POGO, rotating imbalances, transport resonance) and random vibration (launcher engines, acoustic/aerodynamic excitation).
• Force limited vibration (FLV/FLVT): Specifies limiting interface reaction forces to values representative of flight loads (with margins) to prevent exaggerated structural responses caused by fixture/shaker impedance differences.
• Notching & response limiting: Methods to reduce input levels or spectra at resonant frequencies to protect sensitive structures or hardware.
• Test technical requirements: Test specification, frequency ranges, duration, axes, tolerances, control strategy, control points, specimen configuration and measurement points.
• Test system requirements: Facility and equipment requirements including shakers, fixtures, force measurement devices (FMDs), vibration control systems and measurement systems.
• Test procedures: Preparation, safety checks, pre‑test, during‑test and post‑test activities; handling of test interruptions and retests.
• Data, evaluation & reporting: Requirements for data collection, result evaluation, documentation and test reports.
• Annexes: Informative annexes provide guidance on tailoring random vibration/acoustic tests (Annex A), notching calculation examples (Annex B) and force limit determination (Annex C).

Applications and who uses it

ISO 23670:2021 is used by:

• Spacecraft manufacturers and subsystem suppliers for qualification and acceptance testing
• Test laboratories and vibration test service providers who implement and certify vibration tests
• Mission assurance, design verification and quality teams to define realistic test levels
• Launch vehicle integrators and prime contractors to align test specifications with vehicle environments

Practical uses include reducing unnecessary failures from over‑testing, tailoring vibration tests to represent flight interface loads, and improving confidence in spacecraft reliability while optimising test cost and schedule.

Related standards

• ISO 15864:2021 - General test methods for spacecraft, subsystems and units
• ISO 19924:2017 - Space systems - Acoustic testing

Keywords: ISO 23670:2021, space systems vibration testing, force limited vibration, FLV, random vibration, sinusoidal vibration, vibration test procedures, notching, force measurement device.