ISO 17566:2011

Space systems — General test documentation

ISO 17566:2011 provides a specific format for the development of test documentation for an individual test of a spacecraft, subsystem or unit. It is focused on the definition of the format for test plans, test specifications, test procedures and test reports. The scope of ISO 17566:2011 does not include overall programme test planning. A specific test plan can also be part of the overall spacecraft project test plan.

Systèmes spatiaux — Documentation générale d'essais

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 19-Jun-2011
• 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 2 - System requirements, verification and validation, interfaces, integration, and test
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Completion Date: 09-Dec-2021

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 17566
First edition
2011-07-01


Space systems — General test
documentation
Systèmes spatiaux — Documentation générale d'essais




Reference number
ISO 17566:2011(E)
©
ISO 2011

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ISO 17566:2011(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT


©  ISO 2011
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction.v
1 Scope.1
2 Terms and definitions .1
3 Document descriptions.2
3.1 Test plan documentation.2
3.2 Test specification documentation .3
3.3 Test procedure documentation.4
3.4 Test report documentation.5
4 Combining documents.6
4.1 General .6
4.2 Test plan/test specification/test procedure/test report .6
4.3 Combined test plan and test specification/test procedure/test report .6
4.4 Combined test plan, specification and procedure/test report.7
Annex A (normative) Test plan documentation.8
Annex B (normative) Test specification documentation .12
Annex C (normative) Test procedure documentation.19
Annex D (normative) Test report documentation.23

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ISO 17566:2011(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
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.
ISO 17566 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 20, Aircraft and space vehicles, Subcommittee
SC 14, Space systems and operations.

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ISO 17566:2011(E)
Introduction
This International Standard provides the minimum requirements for generating test documentation for an
individual test of a spacecraft, subsystem or unit. Specifically, information and templates are included which
simplify and standardize the writing of the test documentation described herein.
This International Standard covers four types of test documentation:
⎯ test plan;
⎯ test specification;
⎯ test procedure;
⎯ test report.
The scope of this International Standard does not include overall programme test planning. A specific test plan
can also be part of the overall spacecraft project test plan.
Although these documents are functionally independent, there is some overlap of the information contained in
each. These documents can be combined as appropriate, depending on the nature and complexity of the test
in question. For example, for a test of moderate complexity, the test plan and test specification can be
combined into one document. For very simple tests, such as unit tests, it may be appropriate to combine the
test plan, specification and procedure all into one document. Guidance on combining documents to handle
these situations is provided in Clause 4.

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 17566:2011(E)

Space systems — General test documentation
1 Scope
This International Standard provides a specific format for the development of test documentation for an
individual test of a spacecraft, subsystem or unit. It is focused on the definition of the format for test plans, test
specifications, test procedures and test reports.
The scope of this International Standard does not include overall programme test planning. A specific test plan
can also be part of the overall spacecraft project test plan.
2 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
2.1
analysis
verification method which entails performing a theoretical evaluation using accepted techniques
NOTE These techniques can include mathematics, statistics, qualitative design analysis, modelling and computer
simulation.
2.2
characteristic
distinguishing feature
2.3
objective evidence
data supporting the existence or verity of something
2.4
procedure
specified way of carrying out an activity or a process
2.5
process
set of interrelated or interacting activities which transforms inputs into outputs
2.6
requirement
need or expectation, stated or generally implied, whose fulfillment is obligatory
2.7
test
determination of one or more characteristics according to a procedure by which requirements are verified
through measurement of product performance and functions during and/or after exposure to simulated
environmental loads
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
2.8
verification
confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence, that specified requirements of the spacecraft system
have been fulfilled after exposure to simulated or in-service loads
3 Document descriptions
3.1 Test plan documentation
The test plan document is the master plan describing the process for an individual test on a specified test
article. The test plan document contains the following elements:
a) an introduction, comprising
1) overall test objectives, and
2) scope of the test plan document;
b) referenced documentation, including
1) normative references,
2) applicable references, and
3) informative references;
c) nomenclature, including
1) terms and definitions,
2) symbols, and
3) acronyms;
d) test purpose, comprising
1) overall test description, and
2) test strategy matrix;
e) test description, comprising
1) test approach and methodology,
2) test flow,
3) test article,
4) test set-up,
5) specialized test tools,
6) supporting analyses,
7) test input data, and
8) test output data.
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
3.2 Test specification documentation
The test specification is an intermediate step in the test definition process occurring between the test plan and
the test procedure. The test specification document specifies the test parameters to be used to satisfy the test
requirements given in the test plan document. Instead of listing all information in the test specification
document, other documents may be referenced. This can occur in situations where a large amount of
information is to be specified due to the complexity of the test requirements or test article. The test
specification document includes the following sections:
a) an introduction, comprising
1) overall test objectives, and
2) scope of the test plan document;
b) referenced documentation, including
1) normative references,
2) applicable references, and
3) informative references;
c) nomenclature, including
1) terms and definitions,
2) symbols, and
3) acronyms;
d) test article configuration requirements, including
1) test article configuration matrix,
2) test article measured parameters,
3) deviations from flight configuration, and
4) test article functional configuration, including
i) operational mode,
ii) electrical system state,
iii) pyrotechnic system state, and
iv) propulsion system state;
e) test facility requirements, including
1) test facility identification and location,
2) equipment,
3) instrumentation,
4) interfaces to test article,
5) environmental conditions,
6) software,
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
7) data acquisition and analysis systems,
8) other infrastructure required for performance of the test,
9) test facility constraints,
10) test facility operational limitations, and
11) test facility safety limitations;
f) procedural test requirements, including
1) test set-up,
2) test flow,
3) supporting analyses,
4) test article disposition after testing,
5) test specimen equipment,
6) test specimen software,
7) test specimen ground support instrumentation,
8) calibration,
9) test conditions,
10) test input parameters, tolerances and limits,
11) test output data,
12) data acquisition,
13) data processing,
14) test-specific safety considerations, and
15) test success criteria.
3.3 Test procedure documentation
The test procedure document is a detailed step-by-step set of instructions which, when followed, satisfy the
referenced test specification requirements. The test procedure document contains the following elements:
a) an introduction, comprising
1) objectives,
2) scope, and
3) background;
b) referenced documentation, including
1) normative references,
2) applicable references, and
3) informative references;
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
c) nomenclature, including
1) terms and definitions,
2) symbols, and
3) acronyms;
d) test personnel;
e) a detailed procedural checklist.
3.4 Test report documentation
The test report document describes the execution and results of the test. It provides conclusions with
reference to the objectives and test requirements specified in the test plan and test specification documents.
The test procedure document may be converted into an as-run test procedure for inclusion in the test report
document. The test report document contains the following elements:
a) an introduction, comprising
1) objectives,
2) scope, and
3) background;
b) referenced documentation, including
1) normative references,
2) applicable references, and
3) informative references;
c) nomenclature, including
1) terms and definitions,
2) symbols, and
3) acronyms;
d) as-run test article configuration;
e) as-run detailed procedural checklist;
f) test results, including
1) test output data,
2) test processed data,
3) environmental and facility data,
4) test documentation, and
5) photographs, videos and sketches;
g) test data evaluation;
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
h) test deviations;
i) summaries and conclusions.
4 Combining documents
4.1 General
Although these documents are functionally independent, there is some overlap of the information contained in
each. These documents may be combined as appropriate, depending on the nature and complexity of the test
in question. For example, for a test of moderate complexity, the test plan and test specification may be
combined into one document. For very simple tests, such as unit tests, it may be appropriate to combine the
test plan, specification and procedure all into one document. Guidance on combining documents to handle
these situations is provided in 4.3 and 4.4.
4.2 Test plan/test specification/test procedure/test report
For complex testing of a space system, the test plan, test specification, test procedure and test report will
usually all be written. The elements that each of these should contain are specified in Table 1 below.
Table 1 — Summary of documentation contents for complex testing
Section Test plan Test Test procedure Test report
specification
Introduction Yes Yes Yes Yes
Referenced documentation Yes Yes Yes Yes
Nomenclature Yes Yes Yes Yes
Test purpose Yes No No No
Test description Yes No No No
Test article configuration requirements No Yes No No
As-run test article configuration No No No Yes
Test facility requirements No Yes No No
Procedural test requirements No Yes No No
Test personnel No No Yes No
Detailed procedural checklist No No Yes No
As-run detailed procedural checklist No No No Yes
Test results No No No Yes
Test data evaluation No No No Yes
Test deviations No No No Yes
Summary and conclusions No No No Yes
4.3 Combined test plan and test specification/test procedure/test report
For moderately complex testing of a space system or subsystem, the documentation set may be reduced to a
combined test plan and test specification, a test procedure and a test report. The elements that each of these
should contain are specified in Table 2 below.
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
Table 2 — Summary of documentation contents for moderately complex testing
Section Test plan & Test procedure Test report
specification
Introduction Yes Yes Yes
Referenced documentation Yes Yes Yes
Nomenclature Yes Yes Yes
Test purpose Yes No No
Test description Yes No No
Test article configuration requirements Yes No No
As-run test article configuration No No Yes
Test facility requirements Yes No No
Procedural test requirements Yes No No
Test personnel No Yes No
Detailed procedural checklist No Yes No
As-run detailed procedural checklist No No Yes
Test results No No Yes
Test data evaluation No No Yes
Test deviations No No Yes
Summary and conclusions No No Yes

4.4 Combined test plan, specification and procedure/test report
For simple testing of a space subsystem or unit, the documentation set may be reduced to a combined test
plan, test specification and test procedure along with a test report. The elements that each of these should
contain are specified in Table 3 below.
Table 3 — Summary of documentation contents for simple testing
Section Test plan & specification Test report
& procedure
Introduction Yes Yes
Referenced documentation Yes Yes
Nomenclature Yes Yes
Test purpose Yes No
Test description Yes No
Test article configuration requirements Yes No
As-run test article configuration No Yes
Test facility requirements Yes No
Procedural test requirements Yes No
Test personnel Yes No
Detailed procedural checklist Yes No
As-run detailed procedural checklist No Yes
Test results No Yes
Test data evaluation No Yes
Test deviations No Yes
Summary and conclusions No Yes
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
Annex A
(normative)

Test plan documentation
A.1 Introduction
A.1.1 General
The Introduction clause is a preliminary element which shall be used to give general information or
commentary on the technical content of the test plan document, and on the reasons prompting its preparation.
The introduction shall include a brief description of the test and its objectives. It shall not contain requirements.
A.1.2 Objective
The Objective subclause shall specify the desired outcome of the test in terms of test article qualification,
acceptance or development. The Objective subclause may reference other elements which appear later in the
document.
A.1.3 Scope
The Scope subclause shall define without ambiguity, the test article, the range of testing covered by the plan
and the applicability of the plan in relation to fulfilling test article test objectives.
The test plan document shall provide input information for generation of the test specification document in
terms of the overall test objectives. The test plan document may be a part of the overall spacecraft
programme test plan.
A.1.4 Background
The Background subclause is optional. If included, it may discuss the background of the spacecraft
programme if that information benefits overall understanding of the test.
A.2 Referenced documentation
A.2.1 General
This clause shall provide a list of the documents to which reference is made in the test plan.
A.2.2 Normative references
Normative references are published standards and specifications that provide requirements or constraints for
conducting the test. The following text shall precede the list of normative references:
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this document. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these
publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this document are encouraged to
investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below.
For undated references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and
IEC maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
In the event of a conflict between the documents referenced herein and the contents of this document, the
contents of this document shall supersede. Nothing in this document, however, supersedes applicable laws
and regulations unless a specific exemption has been obtained.
Document number Document description Revision level/Release date




A.2.3 Applicable references
Applicable references are programme-related documents that provide requirements or constraints for
conducting the test.
Document number Document description Revision level/Release date




A.2.4 Informative references
These documents are listed for information only. Informative references amplify or clarify the document
content and do not contain requirements applicable to the test plan. Some examples of these documents are
standards, publications and drawings.
Document number Document description Revision level/Release date




A.3 Nomenclature
A.3.1 Terms and definitions
The Terms and definitions subclause shall provide definitions necessary for the understanding of certain
terms used in the test plan. The Terms and definitions subclause shall include only those items specific to the
test plan in question. In some cases, a project dictionary or glossary may be referenced.
A.3.2 Symbols
The Symbols subclause shall provide a list of the symbols necessary for the understanding of the test plan.
Unless there is a need to list symbols in a specific order to reflect technical criteria, all symbols should be
listed in alphabetical order.
The Symbols subclause shall include only those items specific to the test plan in question.
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
A.3.3 Acronyms
The Acronyms subclause shall provide a list of the acronyms necessary for the understanding of the test plan.
The Acronyms subclause shall include only those items specific to the test plan in question.
A.3.4 Abbreviations
The Abbreviations subclause shall define the abbreviations used in the test report.
A.4 Test purpose
A.4.1 Overall test description
This subclause shall describe the overall test process as it applies to the scope of the document and how it
relates to the test strategy matrix.
A.4.2 Test strategy matrix
The test strategy matrix shall specify the minimum set of requirements to be verified within the test plan and
the testing strategies that will be employed to satisfy these requirements. This matrix shall also be utilized to
establish pass-fail criteria for all testing within the scope of the plan.
Document Paragraph Requirement Test strategy for satisfying requirement
reference




A.5 Test description
A.5.1 General
The Test description clause shall provide a general description of the test in terms of test approach.
A.5.2 Test approach and methodology
This subclause shall contain a description of the logic behind the test flow and a general description of the
methods used.
A.5.3 Test flow
This subclause shall provide information on the test flow and sequence of test events. Include a flow chart or
spreadsheet if appropriate.
A.5.4 Test article
A.5.4.1 Identification
This subclause shall specify how the test article is identified in terms of name, part number, etc.
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
A.5.4.2 Description
This subclause shall provide a general description of the test article. A more detailed configuration will be
included in the test specification document.
A.5.4.3 General Configuration
This subclause shall provide information on the configuration of the test article in general terms. Configuration
control methods shall also be included.
A.5.5 Test set-up
This subclause shall provide a general description of the test set-up, including mechanical and electrical
support equipment and facilities.
A.5.6 Specialized test tools
This subclause shall describe any specialized tools to be employed in the test process. These may include
such items as analytical tools, specialized mechanical support equipment for the test article, specialized
electrical support equipment for the test article, and custom simulators and software.
A.5.7 Supporting analyses
This subclause shall provide a general description of required analysis performed to support definition of test
set-up or execution of the test.
A.5.8 Test input data
This subclause shall provide a general description of the planned input methodology.
A.5.9 Test output data
This subclause shall provide a description of the data that will be generated during the test.
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
Annex B
(normative)

Test specification documentation
B.1 Introduction
B.1.1 General
The Introduction clause is a preliminary element which shall be used to give general information or
commentary on the technical content of the test specification document, and on the reasons prompting its
preparation. The introduction shall include a brief description of the test and its objectives. It shall not contain
requirements.
B.1.2 Overall test objectives
The Objective subclause shall specify the desired outcome of the test in terms of test requirements. The
Objective subclause may reference requirements provided later in the document.
B.1.3 Scope
The Scope subclause shall specify the scope and applicability of the test specification as well as providing a
general description of the range of requirements for the test.
The test specification is an intermediate step in the definition of the test process, coming between the test plan
and the test procedure. It shall specify the test requirements for the test article based upon the verification
objectives stated in the test plan and shall also provide input information for the test procedure in advance of
the procedure or the activity itself. Information contained in the test specification may also be used to produce
a requirements document for test facility planning operations.
B.1.4 Background
The Background subclause is optional. If included, it may discuss the background of the spacecraft
programme if that information benefits overall understanding of the test.
B.2 Referenced documentation
B.2.1 General
This clause shall provide a list of the documents to which reference is made in the test specification.
B.2.2 Normative references
Normative references are published standards and specifications that provide requirements or constraints for
conducting the test. The following text shall precede the list of normative references:
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this document. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these
publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this document are encouraged to
investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below.
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
For undated references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and
IEC maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
In the event of a conflict between the documents referenced herein and the contents of this document, the
contents of this document shall supersede. Nothing in this document, however, supersedes applicable laws
and regulations unless a specific exemption has been obtained.
Document number Document description Revision level/Release date




B.2.3 Applicable references
Applicable references are programme-related documents that provide requirements or constraints for
conducting the test.
Document number Document description Revision level/Release date




B.2.4 Informative references
These documents are listed for information only. Informative references amplify or clarify the document
content and do not contain requirements applicable to the test plan. Some examples of these documents are
standards, publications and drawings.
Document number Document description Revision level/Release date




B.3 Nomenclature
B.3.1 Terms and definitions
The Terms and definitions subclause shall provide definitions necessary for the understanding of certain
terms used in the test specification. The Terms and definitions subclause shall include only those items
specific to the test specification in question. In some cases, a project dictionary or glossary may be referenced.
B.3.2 Symbols
The Symbols subclause shall provide a list of the symbols necessary for the understanding of the test
specification.
Unless there is a need to list symbols in a specific order to reflect technical criteria, all symbols should be
listed in alphabetical order.
The Symbols subclause shall include only those items specific to the test specification in question.
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ISO 17566:2011(E)
B.3.3 Acronyms
The Acronyms subclause shall provide a list of the acronyms necessary for the understanding of the test
specification.
The Acronyms subclause shall include only those items specific to the test specification in question.
B.3.4 Abbreviations
The Abbreviations subclause shall define the abbreviations used in the test report.
B.4 Test article configuration requirements
B.4.1 Test article configuration matrix
A specific identification of the test article shall be provided. This may be in the form of a parts list including part
or drawing numbers.
B.4.2 Test article measured parameters
This subclause shall contain information measured on the test article which is pertinent to the test. For
example, the measured weight of the test article may be included for a modal survey test to aid in model
verification.
B.4.3 Deviations from flight configuration
This subclause shall contain a detailed list of deviations from flight configuration.
B.4.4 Test
...