Significance and Use
3.1 This classification involves two focuses:
3.1.1 Focus 1, the classification of a vehicle given a range of total capability, and
3.1.2 Focus 2, a classification of a mission being performed by a vehicle.
3.2 The two-focus classification system was necessary since a vehicle could have certain capabilities in general, which could be limited/tailored based on the particular mission.
Scope
1.1 This classification provides the commercial space industry an accepted method of commonly classifying space launch and reentry vehicles through the use of commonly accepted and defined terms based on operational and flight envelope of the vessel. This classification may not cover all vehicle capabilities or vehicle categories but attempts to standardize the terminology that is applicable to a majority of the industry. This classification may be useful for, but is not intended to address, amateur launch vehicles.
1.2 This classification is not intended to pass judgement on the value or quality of a certain term but rather to provide the basis of common terminology so that, for instance, when multiple vehicle operators claim a certain capability in their system, they are equivalent for outside understanding.
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
