ISO 14624-1-2023 PDF

Full title and description

Space systems — Safety and compatibility of materials — Part 1: Determination of upward flammability of materials. This international standard specifies a laboratory test method used to evaluate the upward flame propagation behaviour of materials intended for use in spacecraft and related aerospace environments.

Abstract

This document specifies a method for the determination of the flammability of aerospace materials by upward flame propagation. The test determines whether a material exposed to a defined ignition source will self-extinguish and whether it produces flaming or glowing debris capable of igniting adjacent materials; results are used to classify materials for spacecraft safety and materials-compatibility programs.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 10 October 2023
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 49.140; 13.220.40; 49.025.01
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2023)
• Number of pages: 25

Summary details above are taken from the ISO bibliographic record for ISO 14624-1:2023.

Scope

ISO 14624-1:2023 applies to materials used in space systems and specifies the upward flame-propagation test procedure in an ambient (normally atmospheric) environment. The scope covers specimen preparation and conditioning, test apparatus and fixture, ignition source and application, observation and measurement of flame spread and flaming debris, pass/fail criteria (self‑extinguishing behavior and absence of debris that can ignite adjacent materials), and required test-reporting information. The method is intended to support material selection, qualification and compatibility assessments for manned and unmanned spacecraft.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of test apparatus and fixture for upward flame propagation testing.
• Specimen dimensions, conditioning and mounting procedures.
• Specified ignition source type, application time and flame exposure protocol.
• Observation criteria: flame spread, time to self‑extinguish, presence of flaming or glowing debris.
• Pass/fail rules: self‑extinguishment and no transfer of burning debris able to ignite adjacent specimens.
• Data recording, classification of results and required reporting elements.
• Limitations of the test and guidance on interpretation for spacecraft material selection.

Typical use and users

This standard is used by spacecraft designers, materials engineers, test laboratories, suppliers of materials and components for aerospace applications, safety and qualification teams, and regulatory or certification bodies involved in spacecraft environmental and fire-safety assessments. It supports material selection, pre‑qualification testing, acceptance testing and comparative evaluation of candidate materials.

Related standards

ISO 14624 is a multipart series addressing safety and compatibility of materials for space systems. Relevant related parts include ISO 14624-2 (electrical-wire insulation and accessory materials) and ISO 14624-3 (determination of off-gassed compounds from materials and assembled articles); earlier editions and related technical specifications (for example the 2003 edition and ISO/TS 16697) have been withdrawn and replaced by the 2023 series. Other parts of the family (e.g., parts addressing oxygen-enriched environments or specific reactivity tests) remain relevant when assessing materials for particular spacecraft systems.

Keywords

upward flammability; flame propagation; spacecraft materials; material qualification; fire safety; flammability test; aerospace materials; test method; ISO 14624

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 14624-1:2023 is an international standard that specifies a laboratory test method for determining the upward flammability behaviour of materials intended for use in space systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, test apparatus, ignition source and exposure procedure, observation and measurement of upward flame propagation and flaming/glowing debris, pass/fail criteria, and reporting requirements used to assess material suitability for spacecraft applications.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Spacecraft and payload designers, materials and safety engineers, independent test laboratories, component and materials suppliers, and certification or regulatory agencies involved in spacecraft safety and materials compatibility.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is the current (published) edition issued in October 2023 and replaced the earlier 2003 edition; older technical specifications referenced by the series have been withdrawn and superseded by the 2023 revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 14624 is a multipart series addressing safety and compatibility of materials for space systems (other parts include test methods for wire insulation, off‑gassing, and related topics).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Upward flammability, flame propagation, spacecraft materials, flammability test, material qualification, ISO 14624.