Overview
ISO 10795:2019 - Space systems - Programme management and quality - Vocabulary is an ISO international standard that defines the common terminology used in space systems and space operations for programme management and quality. The second edition (2019) provides authoritative definitions to support consistent communication across projects, contracts, verification, product assurance and systems engineering. It is intended for management, engineering and product assurance activities and does not replace terms that are specific to individual space standards.
Key topics and technical focus
The standard organizes and defines terms relevant to programme management and quality assurance in space projects. Key topics covered include:
- Terms and definitions for programme management, verification and validation, and product assurance (e.g., acceptance, acceptance test, acceptance criteria, assurance).
- Risk and safety vocabulary (e.g., acceptable risk, acceptance of risk, accepted risk).
- Configuration and lifecycle terms (e.g., as-built, as-delivered, as-designed, configuration baseline).
- Verification, audit and assessment (e.g., audit, analysis, assessment, anomaly).
- Operational and certification concepts (e.g., authorization, availability, commissioning, certification).
- Supporting terms for models and hardware development (e.g., breadboard, qualification model, flight spare).
ISO 10795:2019 also includes abbreviated terms and a bibliography; it cites related definitions from standards such as ISO 9000, ISO 14620, ISO 16290 and others where applicable.
Practical applications
ISO 10795:2019 provides a single source of agreed vocabulary to reduce ambiguity across all phases of a space programme:
- Harmonizes language used in contracts, procurement specifications and acceptance criteria to avoid disputes.
- Standardizes terminology for test plans, verification reports and audits, improving traceability and regulatory review.
- Supports consistent risk management and safety assessments by defining risk‑related terms.
- Assists configuration management and status reporting (as‑built/as‑designed/as‑delivered).
- Improves communication between prime contractors, suppliers, space agencies, certification bodies and auditors.
Adopting these definitions helps organizations implement quality management, systems engineering and product assurance processes more effectively across international teams and suppliers.
Who should use this standard
- Programme managers and project leads in space systems
- Systems engineers and verification engineers
- Product assurance, quality managers and auditors
- Contract authors, procurement officers and suppliers
- Regulatory and certification authorities involved in space operations
Related standards and resources
ISO 10795 references and aligns with established ISO/IEC terminology resources and standards such as:
- ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia (terminology databases)
- ISO 9000 series (quality management fundamentals)
- ISO 14620, ISO 16290 and other space-related standards cited in the document
Using ISO 10795:2019 as a vocabulary baseline supports clearer documentation, consistent compliance and improved interoperability across international space programmes.
