ISO 20892:2018

Space systems - Launch complexes modernization process - General requirements

ISO 20892:2017 specifies procedures in the preparation and carrying out of the modernization process of launch complexes and their components. These procedures are devised in case there is a need to make changes in existing configuration of launch complexes. ISO 20892:2017 establishes the following: a) modernization stages; b) modernization performance requirements; c) functions of the main participants of the modernization process and their interactions. The requirements specified in this document are used by organizations involved in the modernization of the launch complexes. ISO 20892:2017 is directly aimed at increasing economic efficiency in terms of the modernization process in creating new vehicles or changing the specification of a launch complex by a service customer, etc., or whether or not there is a need to build a new launch complex. ISO 20892:2017 is also aimed at providing safety and health requirements for LC personnel, since increased demand for launch complex safety may be one reason to modernize the facility. ISO 20892:2017 offers a unified approach to the management of the modernization process (preparation and carrying out). Since there are no specific requirements and data, target dates for the carrying out of the modernization process can be flexible.

Systèmes spatiaux — Processus de modernisation des complexes de lancement spatial — Exigences générales

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2018
• ICS: 49.140 - Space systems and operations
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 20/SC 14 - Space systems and operations
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 20/SC 14/WG 5 - Space System Program Management and Quality
• Current Stage: 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
• Start Date: 21-May-2025
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Relations

• Revised: ISO 20892:2025 - Space systems - Launch complexes modernization process - General requirements
• Effective Date: 27-Jan-2024

Overview

ISO 20892:2018 - "Space systems - Launch complexes modernization process - General requirements" defines a unified, high-level framework for planning and carrying out modernization of launch complexes (LCs) and their components. It specifies procedures to manage changes to existing LC configurations driven by new launch vehicles, emerging technologies, safety improvements or cost-reduction goals. The standard is aimed at improving economic efficiency, ensuring personnel safety, and providing a single approach to modernization planning, execution and acceptance while allowing flexible scheduling.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Modernization scope and stages: Establishes that modernization can target whole complexes, components or specific items, and organizes the process into stages (preparation, execution, testing/acceptance).
• Roles and responsibilities: Defines functions for the customer, Executive Head (main implementer), subcontractors, and manufacturers, including contracting, coordination, monitoring and documentation duties.
• Performance and management requirements:
  • Appointment of a lead project manager responsible for technical guidance, schedule, testing completeness and quality of documentation.
  • Development of modernization management plans, quality/dependability monitoring programs and accounting documentation.
• Risk, safety and test activities:
  • Mandatory risk assessment and risk management program (see ISO 17666).
  • Safety, health and environmental protections for LC personnel guided by ISO 14620-2.
  • Experimental validation (layout, modeling, testing) to confirm design and dependability.
• Interface control and IP:
  • Control of interfaces between modernized items and target systems, formalized via Interface Control Documents (refer to ISO 17689).
  • Patent research and intellectual property considerations to avoid infringement.
• Certification and regulatory compliance: Modernization must align with national regulations and applicable certification systems; target dates are flexible due to the general nature of requirements.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 20892 is intended for organizations involved in LC modernization, including:

• Launch complex owners and state owners
• Launch operators and launch service customers
• Project managers and Executive Heads responsible for modernization programs
• System integrators, subcontractors and component manufacturers
• Regulatory bodies and safety/quality assurance teams

Typical uses: planning upgrades for new launch vehicles, retrofitting LSE (launch support equipment), improving LC safety and reliability, managing multi-contractor upgrade programs, and establishing documentation, testing and acceptance processes.

Related standards

• ISO 14620-2 - Space systems: Launch site operations (safety)
• ISO 17666 - Space systems: Risk management
• ISO 17689 - Space systems: Interface control documents
• ISO/TS 18667 - Space systems: SD&QA (safety, dependability & quality assurance)

Keywords: ISO 20892, launch complexes modernization, space systems standard, modernization requirements, launch complex safety, risk management, interface control.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 20892
First edition
2018-02
Space systems — Launch complexes
modernization process — General
requirements
Systèmes spatiaux — Processus de modernisation des complexes de
lancement spatial — Exigences générales
Reference number
©
ISO 2018
© ISO 2018
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ii © ISO 2018 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Abbreviated terms . 3
5 General . 3
5.1 Modernization need . 3
5.2 Functions of the main participants in the modernization process . 4
5.3 Modernization performance requirements . 5
6 Modernization process . 6
6.1 General process . 6
6.2 Modernization stages . 7
Foreword
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electrotechnical standardization.
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described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
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on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
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URL: www .iso .org/ iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 20, Aircraft and space vehicles,
Subcommittee SC 14, Space systems and operations.
iv © ISO 2018 – All rights reserved

Introduction
Technical innovations and developments in science and technology (new rockets and space vehicles)
necessitate the modernization of equipment for launch complexes. Thus, countries with launch complex
(LC) are upgrading launch support equipment (LSE) of these facilities.
However, due to obsolescence, the emergence of new technologies, new launch vehicles and
requirements for the assembly and installation of spacecrafts, there is challenge to change the existing
system configuration and upgrade.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 20892:2018(E)
Space systems — Launch complexes modernization
process — General requirements
1 Scope
This document specifies procedures in the preparation and carrying out of the modernization process
of launch complexes and their components. These procedures are devised in case there is a need to
make changes in existing configuration of launch complexes.
This document establishes the following:
a) modernization stages;
b) modernization performance requirements;
c) functions of the main participants of the modernization process and their interactions.
The requirements specified in this document are used by organizations involved in the modernization
of the launch complexes.
This document is directly aimed at increasing economic efficiency in terms of the modernization process
in creating new vehicles or changing the specification of a launch complex by a service customer, etc., or
whether or not there is a need to build a new launch complex.
This document is also aimed at providing safety and health requirements for LC personnel, since
increased demand for launch complex safety may be one reason to modernize the facility.
This document offers a unified approach to the management of the modernization process (preparation
and carrying out). Since there are no specific requirements and data, target dates for the carrying out of
the modernization process can be flexible.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 14620-2:2011, Space systems — Safety requirements — Part 2: Launch site operations
ISO 17666, Space systems — Risk management
ISO 17689, Space systems — Interface control documents between ground systems, ground support
equipment and launch vehicle with payload
ISO/TS 18667, Space systems — Requirements of the management of capability-based safety, dependability
and quality assurance (SD&QA) programme
ISO/TR 17400, Space systems — Space launch complexes, integration sites and other facilities — General
testing guidelines
3 Terms and definitions
For the purpose of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
3.1
launch complex modernization
LC modernization
set of works undertaken to improve and upgrade the performance characteristics and LC quality
indicators by changing the design of the LC components
Note 1 to entry: Also includes replacement of individual items to newly created ones, as well as changes and
additions to the existing design.
Note 2 to entry: Modernization also refers to upgrade in this document.
3.2
launch service customer
organization that made a contract with the operator (3.10) to perform launch services (3.3)
3.3
launch services
set of actions for the launch or attempted launch of a launch vehicle and payload, if any, to a sub-orbital
trajectory of the Earth's orbit in outer space or in any other direction in space
3.4
manufacturer of modernized product item
organization that performs work on pre-production and production of the upgraded product item by
working design documentation
3.5
customer
organization which owns or manages an LC and makes a contract with the main
executor for launch complex modernization (3.1) or its components
3.6
Executive Head
organization that makes a contract with a customer (3.5) of the complex, coordinates
the work of subcontractors (3.8) and is responsible for the implementation of launch complex
modernization (3.1)
3.7
stage
set of works characterized
...