Overview
ISO 10794:2018 - Space systems: Programme management for material, mechanical parts and processes defines programme-level requirements to manage materials, mechanical parts and manufacturing/assembly processes across all phases of a space project (mission definition, design, development, production, operations and disposal). It establishes governance, selection, evaluation/qualification, procurement, incoming inspection, utilization, traceability and documentation-control expectations for all space deliverable products.
This edition updates prior guidance and adds considerations such as bacterial and fungal growth, hydrogen embrittlement, and manned environment effects.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 10794:2018 organizes requirements around a Materials, Mechanical Parts and Processes (MMPP) programme and includes:
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Programme management and governance
- MMPP plan, management roles, reviews, acceptance status and documentation control
- Material, Mechanical Parts, Processes Control Board (MPCB) responsibilities
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Selection and technical criteria
- Material and part selection rules, technical constraints, cleanliness and contamination control, safety hazardous materials
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Evaluation, validation, qualification and verification
- Defined evaluation/validation/qualification phases for materials, parts and processes
- Deviation request and approval processes; Request for Approval (RFA) document requirements
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Procurement and inspection
- Procurement specifications, supplier responsibilities, source inspection and incoming inspection procedures
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Utilization, traceability and lifecycle
- Traceability, packaging/storage, limited-life items handling, non-conformance and alert management
- Mandatory inspection points (MIPs) and program-wide lists (declared materials, declared mechanical parts, declared processes)
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Documentation and annexes
- Normative annexes define content for declared lists and RFAs to standardize records across programmes
Practical applications and users
ISO 10794:2018 is intended for programme managers and technical leads who need to control risks related to materials, mechanical parts and processes in space projects. Typical users include:
- Space programme managers and systems engineers
- Quality assurance and configuration management teams
- Procurement and supply-chain managers for space hardware
- Test, verification and assembly personnel
- Suppliers and subcontractors providing materials, mechanical parts or processed hardware
Practical benefits: reduced risk of mission failure, consistent supplier acceptance criteria, improved traceability and lifecycle control (including disposal), and harmonized approval and deviation workflows.
Related standards
ISO 10794:2018 complements other space and quality standards (ISO space-system standards and industry-specific standards such as ECSS) and should be used alongside programme-specific requirements and safety/environmental rules to ensure integrated compliance and risk mitigation.
