What is BS EN 16602-70-53- Materials and hardware compatibility tests for sterilization processes about?  
BS EN 16602-70-53 describes a test protocol to determine the compatibility of materials, components, parts, and assemblies with sterilization processes. It is dedicated to test on non-flight hardware only. Any additional requirements that can be imposed by the potential use of test samples as flight hardware are not covered in BS EN 16602-70-53.
BS EN 16602-70-53 covers the following:
- Identification of critical test parameters to establish functional integrity of the hardware
- Typical test protocols
- Acceptance criteria
Statements about the compatibility of materials and components with sterilization processes in BS EN 16602-70-53 are made in general terms only.
Who is BS EN 16602-70-53- Materials and hardware compatibility tests for sterilization processes for? 
BS EN 16602-70-53 on materials and hardware compatibility tests for sterilization processes is useful for: 
- Spacecraft and space products manufacturers         
- Aerospace products manufacturers   
- Testing agencies involved in the inspection of spacecraft and aerospace products         
- Quality control personnel for spacecraft products      
- Aeronautical engineers 
- Space researchers
Why should you use BS EN 16602-70-53- Materials and hardware compatibility tests for sterilization processes?
A properly formulated and executed test program for all hardware elements that have to undergo sterilization is essential to guarantee their nominal performance and to prevent any immediate or long-term detrimental effects.
The objective of BS EN 16602-70-53 is to ensure a successful mission by the definition of a test protocol and acceptance criteria for the determination of hardware compatibility with sterilization processes.
BS EN 16602-70-53 has been developed to cover specifically space systems and has therefore precedence over any EN covering the same scope but with a wider domain of applicability (e.g.: aerospace). BS EN 16602-70-53 is tailored for the specific characteristic and constrains of a space project in conformance with ECSS-S-ST-00.
