ISO 17540-2016 PDF

Full title and description

Space systems — Liquid rocket engines and test stands — Terms and definitions. This ISO vocabulary provides standardized terms and definitions relevant to the design, testing, reliability analysis and quality control of liquid rocket engines and associated test stands, for use in technical documentation, testing programmes and standardization activities.

Abstract

ISO 17540:2016 defines a set of terms and definitions intended to harmonize language used in the design, testing, reliability assessment and quality assurance of liquid-propellant rocket engines and their test stands. The vocabulary is intended for use across documentation, test reports and standards-related work.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (superseded and replaced by a later edition).
• Publication date: 25 November 2016 (published 2016).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space systems and operations).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016).
• Number of pages: 32.

Scope

ISO 17540:2016 provides terms and definitions covering components, systems, test stands, test types, performance and reliability concepts related to liquid rocket engines; the vocabulary supports consistent use of terminology in design documents, test specifications, reliability analyses and quality control procedures. The vocabulary applies to a wide range of liquid‑propellant engine types and to the ground test facilities used to exercise them.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized definitions for liquid rocket engine components (turbopumps, combustion chambers, injectors, nozzles, feed systems) and engine cycles.
• Vocabulary for test-stand concepts, instrumentation, hot-fire and endurance testing terminology.
• Terms supporting reliability analysis (failure modes, margins, fault-tolerant design language) and quality-control activities.
• Definitions intended for use in documentation, reporting and contractual language to reduce ambiguity in multinational projects.
• Updates and expanded terminology in the 2025 edition to reflect modern engine cycles, reusability concepts and advances in test-stand practice.

Typical use and users

Primary users include propulsion system designers, test‑stand engineers and managers, spacecraft and launch‑vehicle systems engineers, test facilities, standards developers and technical authors preparing specifications or test reports. The vocabulary is also used by procurement teams, regulatory agencies and researchers to ensure consistent terminology across contracts, test programmes and publications.

Related standards

Relevant complementary standards include other ISO space-system test and vocabulary documents (for example, ISO 24917 on general test requirements for launch vehicles) and additional ISO/TC 20/SC 14 publications that address system-level testing, verification and interface definitions. ISO 17540 was later revised and republished as ISO 17540:2025 (Vocabulary) to provide an updated, expanded terminology.

Keywords

liquid rocket engine; test stand; vocabulary; terms and definitions; propulsion; hot-fire test; reliability; quality control; ISO 17540; ISO/TC 20/SC 14.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 17540:2016 is an ISO vocabulary document titled "Space systems — Liquid rocket engines and test stands — Terms and definitions" that defines standardized terminology used for liquid‑propellant engines and their test facilities.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers terms for engine components and cycles, test‑stand configurations and activities, instrumentation and test types, and concepts used in reliability analysis and quality control for liquid rocket propulsion systems. The vocabulary is intended for use in technical documentation, test reports and standards work.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Propulsion and systems engineers, test-facility personnel, standards developers, technical writers, procurement and regulatory staff, and researchers involved in liquid‑propellant engine design, testing and qualification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 17540:2016 has been withdrawn and has been superseded by a later edition, ISO 17540:2025 (published in 2025). Users should reference the 2025 edition for the most up-to-date vocabulary.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ISO's space‑systems portfolio maintained by ISO/TC 20/SC 14 (Space systems and operations) and complements other ISO standards that address testing, verification and system requirements for launch vehicles and propulsion systems.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include liquid rocket engine, test stand, vocabulary, terms and definitions, propulsion, hot-fire testing, reliability, quality control and ISO 17540.