This standard establishes the methods for accomplishing qualification of those components located in nonconventional space-program-oriented facilities and equipment. This standard also provides the criteria and rationale to be used in determining which components require qualification. Under no circumstances shall any part of this document be construed as an attempt to establish a qualified products list (QPL).

The basic purpose of a formal component qualification program is to verify that components meet the design specification requirements necessary to ensure operational suitability in their anticipated environments for their full-use cycle. The purpose of this standard is to ensure that critical single failure point components and other components that have significant failure impact are qualified.