This document is the top–level document of the EN 16000 Series of European Space Standards. It gives a general introduction into European Space Standards and their use in space programmes and projects.
Its purpose is to provide users with an overview of the European Space Standards System (that is based on the ECSS System), together with an introduction to the various branches of applicability and to the disciplines covered by these set of Standards and the processes involved in generating and using these standards.
As an introduction into space programmes, space projects actors and their customer-supplier relationships are described.
The branches are:
• EN 16001 Series: Space system and Space project management
• EN 16002 Series: Space product assurance
• EN 16003 Series: Space engineering
• EN 16004 Series: Space sustainability
Application of the ECSS System for space projects in the customer-supplier chain is explained and a practical tailoring method is described together with methods for collecting and processing user feedback.
Finally top-level requirements are defined for implementation of the ECSS system in space projects/programmes.
This standard is applicable to all the procurements of space products.
With effect from the date of approval, this Standard announces the adoption of the external document on a restricted basis for use in the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) system.
This standard may be tailored for the specific characteristic and constraints of a space project in conformance with clause 7 of this standard.