AEROSPACE REPORT NUMBER: TOR-2009(8591)-15, SPACE VEHICLE CHECKLIST FOR ASSURING ADHERENCE TO "TEST-LIKE-YOU-FLY" PRINCIPLES (30 JUN 2009)

AEROSPACE REPORT NUMBER: TOR-2009(8591)-15, SPACE VEHICLE CHECKLIST FOR ASSURING ADHERENCE TO "TEST-LIKE-YOU-FLY" PRINCIPLES (30 JUN 2009)., The phrase "test like you fly" means different things to different people. It is relatively simple to understand the concept of testing a system in the same manner in which it will be used in an operational environment. However creating a test and verification program to implement this philosophy is very complex and challenging, if not expensive. In many cases, individual engineers or managers have experience creating and executing a test program where specific aspects of test like you fly (TLYF) are successfully utilized. However very few programs or organizations have created a full-scale test program that incorporates "like you fly" test activities and tools comprehensively up through the system-level of configuration. Finally, the lack of a common lexicon and description of TLYF activities has challenged the aerospace industry by creating road blocks to communication and agreement on this topic. The checklist provided here is the culmination of decades of painful and costly lessons learned. The items in the checklist trace their heritage to failures or close calls that could have been prevented through testing that more realistically simulated launch or operational conditions. This document is intended for use by both procurement organizations as well as the producers of aerospace hardware, software, and systems. The content that follows takes the form of a checklist to ensure that TLYF principles are followed, and noted exceptions are identified as they occur. It is intended that the "Evidence" column be used in the evaluation of TLYF principles to describe the degree to which these principles were followed and where the documentation for that particular item can be found.