This standard should be cited in the program peculiar specifications for space or launch vehicles to specify the requirements for various space quality electronic part types when JAN Class S parts are not available. (A JAN Class S part is an electronic part that is built, tested, qualified, and procured in full accordance with the space quality level requirements as specified in its general and detailed military specification.) This standard is intended for use in all USAF Space and Milssile Systems Center on acquisition contracts for new or modified designs of space vehicles, upper stage vehicles, payloads, launch vehicles, and for their subtier equipments.

The requirements in the text of this standard state the application requirements for all electronic parts for space and launch vehicles. These application requirements include derating requirements, end-of-life limitations, mounting requirements, and other requirements intended to ensure the high reliability of the parts when used in space equipment and critical launch equipment.

The requirements in the text of this standard are also intended to be the basis for preparing detailed part, material, and process specifications for the purchase of parts and materials for use in space and launch vehicles. These requirements include the design, construction, and quality assurance requirements that are necessary for space and launch vehicle parts. The requirements included supersede or supplement requirements in existing general military specifications to ensure the necessary performance in the space environment and the necessary quality and reliability for space and launch vehicle use.

For the convenience of everyone using this standard, and also using either MIL-STD-965 or MIL-STD-1546, the definition of key terms that are common are the same in this standard as in those documents.

Contracts for ground equipment (e.g., control segments and user segments of space systems) would usually apply other part specifications for equipment in those segments unless it is determined that a tailored application of this standard would be more appropriate for the reliability or standardization objectives of the program. Note that many space and launch vehicle acquisition contracts include both space and ground equipment, so care should be taken to ensure that the applicability of this standard is clearly stated in the program specifications.

There may be acquisition contracts for other types of equipment requiring high reliability where the special requirements stated in this standard should be applied. For those acquisition contracts, this standard may be cited to specify the applicable requirements. However, a statement should be included in the contract or the program specifications indicating that the words "space and launch vehicle" in this standard are to be interpreted as the applicable equipment. The requirements in this standard would then be interpreted as applying to the parts requirements for the acquisition of the applicable equipment. The use of such wording could avoid any possible misinterpretation or misapplication.