scope:

This ECSS Engineering Standard specifies the fracture control requirements to be imposed on space segments of space systems and their related GSE.

The fracture control programme is applicable for space systems and related GSE where structural failure can result in a catastrophic hazard in accordance with the definition of ECSS-Q-ST-40 or alternative applicable document specified by the customer like those applicable to the ISS or Exploration systems or payloads.

The requirements contained in this Standard, when implemented, also satisfy the fracture control requirements applicable to the NASA and ISS hardware.

The NASA nomenclature differs in some cases from that used by ECSS. When ISS or Exploration-specific requirements and nomenclature are included, they are identified as such.

This standard may be tailored for the specific characteristic and constrains of a space project in conformance with ECSS-S-ST-00.