Overview
ISO 14621-2:2019 defines requirements for an EEE parts control programme for space systems. It provides technical guidelines to develop and document processes that ensure electrical, electronic and electromechanical (EEE) parts - including electro‑optical devices - used in flight hardware meet functional, radiation and reliability requirements. The standard is tailorable to programme needs (performance, risk tolerance, budget, mission duration and environment) and is intended for customers and suppliers involved in space hardware procurement and manufacturing.
Key topics and requirements
ISO 14621-2 sets out minimum management and technical processes for parts control, including:
- Organization and responsibilities - define roles, authority and reporting for parts control.
- Parts selection and standardization - processes to select, standardize and optimize use of qualified/approved parts; maintain preferred parts lists (PPL).
- Parts evaluation and characterization - verification of part capability, configuration control and equivalence (form, fit, function).
- Parts authorization and risk management - control of limited‑life, unstable or custom parts; requirement for a parts risk management plan.
- Radiation hardness assurance (RHA) - programmatic approach to address space radiation effects and verification testing.
- Derating and approval processes - electrical/thermal derating policies and formal approval gates for parts.
- Procurement and inspection - requirements for purchase documents, supplier surveillance, screening, Lot Acceptance Test (LAT), Quality/Technology Conformance Inspection (QCI/TCI) and Radiation Verification Test (RVT).
- Testing and forensic analysis - guidance on Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) and failure investigation.
- Non‑conformance, traceability and documentation - control of non‑conforming parts, full traceability and required records.
- Handling, storage and transmission - preservation, storage and transmission of parts control programme data.
Applications and users
ISO 14621-2 is practical for:
- Space hardware suppliers, manufacturers and service companies (distributors, screening/DPA labs).
- Procurement, quality, reliability and systems engineers writing SOWs or proposal instructions.
- Program managers establishing a parts control programme tailored to mission risk and budget.
- Test organizations conducting LAT/QCI/TCI, RVT or DPA activities.
Typical uses include writing procurement requirements, defining supplier surveillance, planning radiation assurance, and documenting parts selection and traceability for flight hardware.
Related standards
Relevant companion and normative references:
Keywords: ISO 14621-2, parts control programme, EEE parts, space systems, radiation hardness assurance, parts selection, lot acceptance test, destructive physical analysis, traceability, parts procurement.