Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the ECSS NextGen Project

Question 1: How will changing the structure of ECSS documents help people to understand the spirit of the requirements?

It separates the requirements, associated means of compliance and the informative elements from the standards, helping the end user to extract the relevant information from the standards for their application (e.g. procurement, education, lessons learned).

Question 2: When will the new ECSS standards be applicable?

ECSS Issue D will be published via a digital platform by the end of 2025.

Question 3: What tool do you use to manage requirements and track their processing?

ECSS is currently using IBM DOORS® to manage requirements. For the project, we are using Excel to track the document feedback and progress.

Question 4: Will the new ECSS take into account MBSE approach, e.g. defining a modelling methodology and expected diagram instead of expected document?

A pure MBSE approach to ECSS Digitalisation is not in the current plan. However, digitalisation will provide modern tools to facilitate the usage of the ECSS system and easier access to the requirements that are essential for the users’ needs.

Question 5: Do you plan to implement similar auditing strategies and related certification processes as compared to EASA for ECSS in the future?

Some of the standards could be used as a basis for process audits. However, there is no ECSS certification scheme planned today.