scope:

This standard establishes baseline requirements for the design, analysis, manufacturing, test, and operation of composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV) used for aerospace systems such as spacecraft and launch vehicles.

Requirements for COPVs levied from other authorities (such as Range Safety, FAA, DOT, etc.) may also be applicable. Specific applications, particularly those involving human spaceflight, may have additional requirements. There may also be additional requirements for hardware elements that are not addressed by this document, such as the presence of a propellant management device or diaphragm. The full set of these requirements should be identified before the design process begins and should be addressed through all stages of the lifecycle.

Purpose

These requirements are intended to assure the safety and enhance the success of the operation of a COPV in an aerospace system.

Applicability

This standard is applicable only to COPVs containing a metallic liner and constructed with a carbon fiber/polymer matrix overwrap. COPVs that include a fiberglass overwrap layer that serves only to protect the vessel from impact damage are permitted. A companion standard, ANSI/AIAA S-080A Space Systems-Metallic Pressure Vessels, Pressurized Structures, and Pressure Components, is applicable to spaceflight metallic pressurized hardware