scope:

This document establishes a standard for the design, analysis, material selection and characterization, fabrication, test, and inspection of structural items in space systems, including payloads, spacecraft, upper-stages, and expendable and reusable launch vehicles. This standard, when implemented on a particular space system, will assure high confidence in achieving safe, reliable operation in all phases of the mission. This document applies specifically to all structural items including fracture-critical hardware used in space systems during all phases of the mission-with the following exceptions: adaptive structures, engines, solid rocket nozzles, and thermal protection systems.