ISO 22137:2020 - Overview
ISO 22137:2020, "Space systems - Program management - Test reviews", defines standardized procedures, content and requirements for test reviews of space systems and space products. The standard structures test governance around three review types: Test Readiness Review (TRR), Post Test Review (PTR) and Test Review Board (TRB). It applies to environment tests and functional/performance tests, with particular emphasis on system‑level and otherwise complicated tests where coordinated management of readiness, execution and lessons learned is critical.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 22137:2020 organizes requirements into management, process, content and implementation areas. Important technical topics covered include:
- Purpose and organization of test reviews - objectives, roles, responsibilities and review points (milestones).
- Processes for reviews - procedures for initiating, conducting (including on‑site activities), implementing findings and concluding TRR, PTR and TRB.
- Detailed content requirements for each review type:
- TRR content: test documentation, configuration of the item under test, test facility and instrumentation, GSE, test software status, non‑conformances, waivers/deviations, test procedures, pass/fail criteria, personnel qualifications, schedule, risks and assignment of responsibilities.
- PTR content: test data, anomalies and non‑conformance reports, test performance, item and GSE status, configuration and open points.
- TRB content: overall test documentation, test performance and results, item status, open non‑conformances and lessons learned.
- Documentation and records - reporting templates and checklists (Annex A: example checklist; Annex B: TRR report plan).
- Implementation requirements - how to apply the standard to ensure effective, auditable test reviews and promote international cooperation and cost reduction.
Practical applications and who uses it
ISO 22137:2020 is intended for program managers, test engineers, systems engineers, test directors, QA personnel and review board members involved in ground testing of space hardware and systems. Typical applications:
- Preparing and executing a Test Readiness Review before complex environmental or system tests.
- Conducting Post Test Reviews to validate data, capture anomalies and close non‑conformance reports.
- Convening a Test Review Board to approve results, consolidate findings and record lessons learned.
- Harmonizing test review practices across international partners and suppliers to reduce rework and testing costs.
Related standards
- Normative reference: ISO 10795 (space systems vocabulary) - recommended for consistent terminology.
- Developed under ISO/TC 20 (Aircraft and space vehicles), SC 14 (Space systems and operations).
Keywords: ISO 22137:2020, test reviews, TRR, PTR, TRB, space systems, test readiness review, post test review, test review board, system level tests, environment tests.