Providing Guidance For Suborbital And Orbital Vehicles And Space Stations

ASTM International’s Committee F47 on Commercial Space Flight announced it is developing a proposed standard containing recommended practices and design elements for suborbital and orbital space vehicles, and orbital platforms or space stations.

Formed in 2016, the committee has enabled private and public entities involved in developing and commercializing space flight operations to use ASTM’s neutral forum to develop safety and quality standards along with recommended practices that best position the industry for future regulatory requirements while also allowing room for innovation as this rapidly-expanding field progresses.

The F47 Committee’s lead on the standards document, Ron Desmarais, said the goal of the proposed WK92506 Standard is to begin the process of formulating standardized features that are common among the various vehicles now operating.

In addition to the FAA’s Recommended Practices for Human Space Flight Occupant Safety, elements such as flight suit connections, participant restraints, vehicle operating conditions, and potentially docking and on-orbit service features may be included.

Among others, WK92506 will include the following:

• Systems needed to maintain safe environments for personnel
• Accommodation for storage and transfer of food, water, oxygen, fuels, waste, and other items
• Means of communication, propulsion, and station keeping
• Any safety-related equipment and systems needed to address foreseeable problems

ASTM invites all interested parties to join in developing WK92506 and other proposed F47 standards.

Mr. Desmarais pointed out that, “We need subject matter experts, people with prior experience in the design of space vehicles and space stations, and those who are actively involved with these activities. We also need involvement from those who regulate these vehicles.”

FMI:  www.astm.org/