Space engineering - Explosive subsystems and devices

This Standard defines the requirements for the use of explosives on all spacecraft and other space products including launch vehicles. It addresses the aspects of design, analysis, verification, manufacturing, operations and safety.
This standard may be tailored for the specific characteristics and constraints of a space project in conformance with ECSS-S-ST-00.

Raumfahrttechnik - Explosive Subsysteme und Geräte

Ingénierie spatiale - Sous-systèmes et dispositifs explosifs

Vesoljska tehnika - Eksplozivni podsistemi in naprave

Ta standard opredeljuje zahteve za uporabo eksplozivov na vseh vesoljskih plovilih in drugih vesoljskih izdelkih, vključno z lansirniki. Obravnava vidike zasnove, analize, preverjanja, proizvodnje, obratovanja in varnosti.
Ta standard se lahko prilagodi posameznim lastnostim in omejitvam vesoljskega projekta v skladu s standardom ECSS-S-ST-00.

General Information

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
31-Aug-2018
Publication Date
14-May-2019
Technical Committee
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
25-Apr-2019
Due Date
30-Jun-2019
Completion Date
15-May-2019

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Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019
01-julij-2019
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 14607-6:2005
Vesoljska tehnika - Eksplozivni podsistemi in naprave
Space engineering - Explosive subsystems and devices
Raumfahrttechnik - Explosive Subsysteme und Geräte
Ingénierie spatiale - Sous-systèmes et dispositifs explosifs
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 16603-33-11:2019
ICS:
29.260.20 Električni aparati za Electrical apparatus for
eksplozivna ozračja explosive atmospheres
49.140 Vesoljski sistemi in operacije Space systems and
operations
SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019


EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 16603-33-11

NORME EUROPÉENNE

EUROPÄISCHE NORM
April 2019
ICS 49.140
Supersedes EN 14607-6:2004
English version

Space engineering - Explosive subsystems and devices
Ingénierie spatiale - Sous-systèmes et dispositifs Raumfahrttechnik - Explosive Subsysteme und Geräte
explosifs
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 28 September 2018.

CEN and CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for
giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical
references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to
any CEN and CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN and CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN and CENELEC members are the national standards bodies and national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium,
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.
























CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2019 CEN/CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means Ref. No. EN 16603-33-11:2019 E
reserved worldwide for CEN national Members and for
CENELEC Members.

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019
EN 16603-33-11:2019 (E)
Table of contents
European Foreword . 6
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 11
3.1 Terms defined in other standards . 11
3.2 Terms specific to the present standard . 11
3.3 Abbreviated terms. 15
3.4 Symbols . 16
4 Requirements . 17
4.1 General . 17
4.1.1 Overview . 17
4.1.2 Properties . 17
4.2 Design . 18
4.2.1 General . 18
4.2.2 Reliability and confidence. 18
4.2.3 Performance . 19
4.2.4 Wanted and unwanted response . 19
4.2.5 Dimensioning . 19
4.3 Mission . 21
4.4 Functionality . 21
4.5 Safety . 22
4.5.1 General . 22
4.5.2 Prevention of unintentional function . 22
4.6 Survival and operational conditions . 24
4.7 Interface requirements . 24
4.7.1 Overview . 24
4.7.2 Functional . 24
4.7.3 Internal . 25
4.7.4 External . 25
2

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019
EN 16603-33-11:2019 (E)
4.8 Mechanical, electrical, and thermal requirements . 25
4.8.1 Mechanical . 25
4.8.2 Electrical . 27
4.8.3 Thermal . 30
4.8.4 Status check . 31
4.9 Materials . 32
4.10 Non-explosive components and equipment . 33
4.10.1 Connectors . 33
4.10.2 Wiring. 33
4.10.3 Shielding . 33
4.10.4 Faraday cap . 34
4.10.5 Safety cap . 34
4.10.6 Power. 34
4.10.7 Arm plug receptacle . 34
4.10.8 Safe plug . 35
4.10.9 Arm plug . 35
4.10.10 Test plug . 36
4.10.11 Safe and arm device . 36
4.10.12 Initiator harness connector . 38
4.10.13 Initiator test substitute . 38
4.11 Explosive components . 38
4.11.1 General . 38
4.11.2 Initiators, cartridges, detonators, and packaged charges. 40
4.11.3 Integral initiator connectors . 45
4.11.4 Transfer devices . 46
4.11.5 Safe and arm devices containing explosive . 48
4.11.6 Gas generators . 48
4.11.7 Shaped charges . 49
4.11.8 Expanding tube devices . 50
4.11.9 Distribution boxes . 52
4.11.10 Explosive delays . 53
4.12 Explosively actuated devices . 54
4.12.1 General . 54
4.12.2 Separation nuts and separation bolts . 55
4.12.3 Pullers . 56
4.12.4 Pusher . 56
4.12.5 Cutters . 57
3

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019
EN 16603-33-11:2019 (E)
4.12.6 Valves . 57
4.13 Items external to the flight equipment . 58
4.13.1 GSE . 58
4.13.2 Test equipment . 58
4.13.3 Launch site . 58
4.14 Verification . 59
4.14.1 General . 59
4.14.2 Inspection . 59
4.14.3 Tests . 59
4.14.4 Qualification and lot acceptance . 61
4.15 Transport, facilities, handling and storage . 64
4.15.1 General . 64
4.15.2 Transport . 64
4.15.3 Facilities . 65
4.15.4 Handling . 65
4.16 In-service . 66
4.16.1 Information feedback . 66
4.16.2 Launch site procedures . 66
4.16.3 Monitoring . 66
4.17 Product assurance . 66
4.17.1 General . 66
4.17.2 Dependability . 67
4.17.3 Assembly, integration and test . 67
Annex A (informative) Component qualification test levels . 68
Annex B (informative) List of deliverable documents . 70
Annex C (informative) Safety Data Sheet (example courtesy of GICAT) . 71

Tables
Table 4-1 <> . 21
Table 4-2 Explosive component colour code . 26
Table 4-3 Common requirements for initiator, cartridge, detonator, and packaged charge
properties . 41
Table 4-4 Requirements for low voltage initiator properties . 42
Table 4-5 Requirements for high voltage initiator properties . 43
Table 4-6 Requirements for laser initiator properties . 43
Table 4-7 Requirements for mechanical initiator properties . 44
4

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019
EN 16603-33-11:2019 (E)
Table 4-8 Requirements for packaged charge properties . 44
Table 4-9 Requirements for through-bulkhead initiators properties . 45
Table 4-10 General requirements for transfer device properties . 46
Table 4-11 Requirements for transfer line assembly properties . 47
Table 4-12 Common requirements for gas generator . 48
Table 4-13 Requirements for shaped charge properties . 49
Table 4-14 Requirements for expanding tube device properties . 51
Table 4-15 Requirements for distribution box properties . 52
Table 4-16 Requirements for explosive delay properties . 53
Table 4-17 General requirements for explosively actuated device properties . 54
Table 4-18 Requirements for separation nut and separation bolt properties . 55
Table 4-19 Requirements for puller properties . 56
Table 4-20 Requirements for pusher properties . 56
Table 4-21 Requirements for cutter properties . 57
Table 4-22 Requirements for valve properties . 57
Table 4-23 Safety tests. 60
Table 4-24 Reliability methods . 61
Table 4-25 Qualification tests . 62
Table 4-26 Acceptance tests . 63

Table A-1 Component qualification test levels . 68
Table A-2 Pyroshocks for launcher and satellites . 69
Table B-1 List of deliverable documents to be used in context of this standard . 70

5

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019
EN 16603-33-11:2019 (E)
European Foreword
This document (EN 16603-33-11:2019) has been prepared by Technical Committee
CEN-CENELEC/TC 5 “Space”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This standard (EN 16603-33-11:2019) originates from ECSS-E-ST-33-11C Rev.1.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by
publication of an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2019, and
conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by October 2019.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may
be the subject of patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible
for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 14607-6:2004.
Changes to EN 14607-6:2004 that was based on ECSS-E-30 Part 6A (25 April 2000) are:
 Complete edit to conform to the ECSS Drafting Rules for "ECSS Issue C
standards"
 Implementation of ECSS Change Requests and harmonization the standard
with ISO in ECSS Revision 1 (2017)
 Change of the title from "Space engineering - Mechanical - Part 6:
Pryotechnics" to "Space engineering – Explosive subsystems and devices"
 Use of the more accurate term "explosive" rather than "pyrotechnics" in
relation to the subject components and systems
 Emphasis on reliability coupled with confidence level for performance
properties
 Inclusion of detailed requirements for the different types of explosive device
 Emphasis on the requirement for properties of components to be agreed with
the end user before commitment to purchase.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request given to CEN by
the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association.
This document 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).
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards
organizations of the following countries are bound to implement this European
Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
6

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019
EN 16603-33-11:2019 (E)
Introduction
As any explosive item used for flight can function only once, it can never be fully
tested before its crucial mission operation. The required confidence can only be
established indirectly by the testing of identical items. Test results and theoretical
justification are essential for demonstration of fulfilment of the requirements. The
requirement for repeatability shows that product assurance plays a crucial role in
support of technical aspects.
The need for statistics requires that the explosive components used in the explosive
subsystem be tested and characterized extensively. The variability in components
requires that manufacturers prove to customers that delivered items are identical to
those qualified.
The failure or unintentional operation of an explosive item can be catastrophic for the
whole mission and life threatening. Specific requirements can exist for the items
associated with it. As all explosives where ever used are treated similarly, the same
requirements, regulations, practices and standards need to be applied to help
avoiding human error.
7

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019
EN 16603-33-11:2019 (E)
1
Scope
This Standard defines the requirements for the use of explosives on all spacecraft and
other space products including launch vehicles. It addresses the aspects of design,
analysis, verification, manufacturing, operations and safety.
This standard may be tailored for the specific characteristics and constraints of a space
project in conformance with ECSS-S-ST-00.
8

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019
EN 16603-33-11:2019 (E)
2
Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in
this text, constitute provisions of this ECSS Standard. For dated references, subsequent
amendments to, or revision of any of these publications, do not apply. However,
parties to agreements based on this ECSS Standard are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the more recent editions of the normative documents indicated
below. For undated references, the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.

EN reference Reference in text Title
EN 16601-00-01 ECSS-S-ST-00-01 ECSS system - Glossary of terms
EN 16603-10-02 ECSS-E-ST-10-02 Space engineering - Verification
EN 16603-10-03 ECSS-E-ST-10-03 Space engineering - Testing
EN 16603-20 ECSS-E-ST-20 Space engineering - Electrical and electronic
EN 16603-20-07 ECSS-E-ST-20-07 Space engineering – Electromagnetic compatibility
EN 16603-32-10 ECSS-E-ST-32-10 Space engineering - Reliability based mechanical factors of
safety
EN 16603-33-01 ECSS-E-ST-33-01 Space engineering - Mechanisms
EN 16602-20 ECSS-Q-ST-20 Space product assurance - Quality assurance
EN 16602-30 ECSS-Q-ST-30 Space product assurance - Dependability
EN 16602-40 ECSS-Q-ST-40 Space product assurance - Safety
EN 16602-70-01 ECSS-Q-ST-70-01 Space product assurance - Contamination and cleanliness
control
EN 16601-40 ECSS-M-ST-40 Space management - Configuration and information
management
ST/SG/AC.10/1 latest Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods –
version (UNECE Model Regulations
publication)
Commission Directive Commission Directive 2012/4/EU of 22 February 2012
2012/4/EU (22 amending Directive 2008/43/EC setting up, pursuant to
February 2012) Council Directive 93/15/EEC, a system for the identification
and traceability of explosives for civil uses
9

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019
EN 16603-33-11:2019 (E)
Commission Directive Commission Directive 2008/43/EC of 4 April 2008 setting
2008/43/EC (4 April up, pursuant to Council Directive 93/15/EEC, a system for
2008) the identification and traceability of explosives for civil uses
Council Directive Council Directive 93/15/EEC of 5 April 1993 on the
93/15/EEC (5 April harmonization of the provisions relating to the placing on
1993) the market and supervision of explosives for civil uses
Dictionary of explosive Groupe de Travail de Pyrotechnie, Dictionnaire de
related terms, 7th pyrotechnie
Edition, 2016
NOTE For launcher subsystems and Transfer Vehicle
programmes, the specific General Specification (SG)
or Design Rules (DR) documents are applicable for
designing, dimensioning and testing.
10

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019
EN 16603-33-11:2019 (E)
3
Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms defined in other standards
a. For the purpose of this Standard, the terms and definitions from
ECSS-S-ST-00-01 apply, in particular for the following terms:
1. lifetime
3.2 Terms specific to the present standard
3.2.1 all fire
stimulus with a probability of functioning equal to or better than 0,999 at 95 %
confidence level
3.2.2 arm plug receptacle
connector mounted on the skin of a spacecraft that can be connected to a Safe or Test
or Arm plug
3.2.3 armed
status of an explosive subsystem when all the safety devices have been disabled and
which can be triggered
[Adapted from Dictionary of explosive related terms]
3.2.4 cartridge
explosive device designed to produce pressure for performing a mechanical function
NOTE A cartridge is called an initiator if it is the first or only
explosive element in an explosive train (see definition
3.2.14).
3.2.5 charge
explosive loaded in a cartridge, detonator, or separate container for use in an
explosive device
3.2.6 component
smallest functional item in an explosive subsystem
11

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019
EN 16603-33-11:2019 (E)
3.2.7 deflagration
self-sustaining, exothermic decomposition reaction of an explosive substance, whose
apparent velocity is less than the velocity of sound in the substance and greater than
the speed of sound in air
NOTE It is generally accepted that the energy transmission
takes place via a mechanical compression wave. This
type of reaction is intermediary between combustion
and detonation. It differs from combustion through
the presence of a significant compression wave in the
surrounding environment.
[Dictionary of explosive related terms]
3.2.8 detonation
exothermic decomposition reaction of an explosive substance self-sustained by a
shock wave, whose velocity of propagation is greater than the velocity of sound in the
substance
NOTE The velocity of propagation is of the order of several
thousands of m/s.
[Dictionary of explosive related terms]
3.2.9 detonator
initiator whose function is to transform external energy directly into a shock wave
strong enough to detonate a secondary high explosive
NOTE External energy can be, for example, mechanical,
electrical and thermal.
[Dictionary of explosive related terms]
3.2.10 electro-explosive device
device containing some reaction mixture that is electrically initiated
NOTE 1 The output of the initiation is heat, shock or
mechanical action.
NOTE 2 The reaction mixture can be explosive or pyrotechnic.
[Dictionary of explosive related terms]
3.2.11 end-user
person who or organization that actually uses a product
NOTE 1 The end-user need not to be the owner or buyer.
NOTE 2 In the context of this standard the end user is
generally the first level customer.
3.2.12 energetic material
material consisting of, or containing, an explosive, oxidizer, fuel, or combination of
them, that can undergo, contribute to, or cause rapid exothermic decomposition,
combustion, deflagration, or detonation
12

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SIST EN 16603-33-11:2019
EN 16603-33-11:2019 (E)
3.2.13 explosively actuated device
device that converts the products of explosion into useful mechanical work
NOTE 1 The explosion can be combustion, deflagration or
detonation.
NOTE 2 Pyromechanisms and linear detonating separation
devices are explosively actuated devices.
3.2.14 explosive train
series of explosive components including the initiator, explosive transfer assembly
and explosively actuated device
3.2.15 explosive component
discrete item containing an explosive substance
3.2.16 explosive function
function that uses energy released from explosive substances for its operation
3.2.17 explosive subsystem
collection of all the explosive trains on the spacecraft or launcher system, and the
interface aspects of any on-board computers, launch operation equipment, ground
support and test equipment and all software associated with explosive functions
3.2.18 fail operational
mission capable after one failure
NOTE Maintaining operational conditions after one failure
and safety conditions after a second independent
failure is referred to as "Fail operational – Fail safe".
3.2.19 fail safe
design property of a subsystem, or part of it, which remains safe after one failure
NOTE Maintaining safety following two independent
failures is referred to as "Fail safe – Fail safe".
3.2.20 gas generators
explosive devices that produce a volume of gas or exothermic output or both
NOTE E.g. pyrotechnic igniters for solid propulsion
applications, gas generator for inflatable structures.
3.2.21 initiator
basic component located upstream of an explosive train, from which originates a
transformation of mechanical, electrical or optical energy, the effect produced being a
combustion, deflagration or detonation.
NOTE 1 It contains a small quantity of an energetic material.
NOTE 2 Examples: hot bridge wire initiator, exploding bridge
wire initiator
13

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SIST
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
kSIST FprEN 16603-33-11:2018
01-september-2018
Vesoljska tehnika - Eksplozivni sistemi in naprave
Space engineering - Explosive systems and devices
Raumfahrttechnik - Explosive Systeme und Geräte
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: FprEN 16603-33-11
ICS:
29.260.20 (OHNWULþQLDSDUDWL]D Electrical apparatus for
HNVSOR]LYQDR]UDþMD explosive atmospheres
49.140 Vesoljski sistemi in operacije Space systems and
operations
kSIST FprEN 16603-33-11:2018 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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kSIST FprEN 16603-33-11:2018

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kSIST FprEN 16603-33-11:2018


EUROPEAN STANDARD
FINAL DRAFT
FprEN 16603-33-11
NORME EUROPÉENNE

EUROPÄISCHE NORM

June 2018
ICS 49.140
Will supersede EN 14607-6:2004
English version

Space engineering - Explosive systems and devices
 Raumfahrttechnik - Explosive Systeme und Geräte
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for unique acceptance procedure. It has been drawn up by the
Technical Committee CEN/CLC/JTC 5.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN and CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal
Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any
alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN and CENELEC in three official versions (English, French, German). A
version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN and CENELEC member into its own
language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN and CENELEC members are the national standards bodies and national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium,
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

















CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2018 CEN/CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means Ref. No. FprEN 16603-33-11:2018 E
reserved worldwide for CEN national Members and for
CENELEC Members.

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kSIST FprEN 16603-33-11:2018
FprEN 16603-33-11:2018 (E)
Table of contents
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 11
3.1 Terms defined in other standards . 11
3.2 Terms specific to the present standard . 11
3.3 Abbreviated terms. 15
3.4 Symbols . 16
4 Requirements . 17
4.1 General . 17
4.1.1 Overview . 17
4.1.2 Properties . 17
4.2 Design . 18
4.2.1 General . 18
4.2.2 Reliability and confidence. 18
4.2.3 Performance . 19
4.2.4 Wanted and unwanted response . 19
4.2.5 Dimensioning . 19
4.3 Mission . 21
4.4 Functionality . 21
4.5 Safety . 22
4.5.1 General . 22
4.5.2 Prevention of unintentional function . 22
4.6 Survival and operational conditions . 24
4.7 Interface requirements . 24
4.7.1 Overview . 24
4.7.2 Functional . 24
4.7.3 Internal . 25
4.7.4 External . 25
4.8 Mechanical, electrical, and thermal requirements . 25
4.8.1 Mechanical . 25
2

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kSIST FprEN 16603-33-11:2018
FprEN 16603-33-11:2018 (E)
4.8.2 Electrical . 27
4.8.3 Thermal . 30
4.8.4 Status check . 31
4.9 Materials . 32
4.10 Non-explosive components and equipment . 33
4.10.1 Connectors . 33
4.10.2 Wiring. 33
4.10.3 Shielding . 33
4.10.4 Faraday cap . 34
4.10.5 Safety cap . 34
4.10.6 Power. 34
4.10.7 Arm plug receptacle . 34
4.10.8 Safe plug . 35
4.10.9 Arm plug . 35
4.10.10 Test plug . 36
4.10.11 Safe and arm device . 36
4.10.12 Initiator harness connector . 38
4.10.13 Initiator test substitute . 38
4.11 Explosive components . 38
4.11.1 General . 38
4.11.2 Initiators, cartridges, detonators, and packaged charges. 39
4.11.3 Integral initiator connectors . 45
4.11.4 Transfer devices . 46
4.11.5 Safe and arm devices containing explosive . 48
4.11.6 Gas generators . 48
4.11.7 Shaped charges . 49
4.11.8 Expanding tube devices . 50
4.11.9 Distribution boxes . 52
4.11.10 Explosive delays . 53
4.12 Explosively actuated devices . 54
4.12.1 General . 54
4.12.2 Separation nuts and separation bolts . 55
4.12.3 Pullers . 56
4.12.4 Pusher . 56
4.12.5 Cutters . 57
4.12.6 Valves . 57
4.13 Items external to the flight equipment . 58
3

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kSIST FprEN 16603-33-11:2018
FprEN 16603-33-11:2018 (E)
4.13.1 GSE . 58
4.13.2 Test equipment . 58
4.13.3 Launch site . 58
4.14 Verification . 59
4.14.1 General . 59
4.14.2 Inspection . 59
4.14.3 Tests . 59
4.14.4 Qualification and lot acceptance . 61
4.15 Transport, facilities, handling and storage . 64
4.15.1 General . 64
4.15.2 Transport . 64
4.15.3 Facilities . 65
4.15.4 Handling . 65
4.16 In-service . 66
4.16.1 Information feedback . 66
4.16.2 Launch site procedures . 66
4.16.3 Monitoring . 66
4.17 Product assurance . 66
4.17.1 General . 66
4.17.2 Dependability . 67
4.17.3 Assembly, integration and test . 67
Annex A (informative) Component qualification test levels . 68
Annex B (informative) List of deliverable documents . 70
Annex C (informative) Safety Data Sheet (example courtesy of GICAT) . 71

Tables
Table 4-1 <> . 21
Table 4-2 Explosive component colour code . 26
Table 4-3 Common requirements for initiator, cartridge, detonator, and packaged charge
properties . 41
Table 4-4 Requirements for low voltage initiator properties . 42
Table 4-5 Requirements for high voltage initiator properties . 43
Table 4-6 Requirements for laser initiator properties . 43
Table 4-7 Requirements for mechanical initiator properties . 44
Table 4-8 Requirements for packaged charge properties . 44
Table 4-9 Requirements for through-bulkhead initiators properties . 45
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Table 4-10 General requirements for transfer device properties . 46
Table 4-11 Requirements for transfer line assembly properties . 47
Table 4-12 Common requirements for gas generator . 48
Table 4-13 Requirements for shaped charge properties . 49
Table 4-14 Requirements for expanding tube device properties . 51
Table 4-15 Requirements for distribution box properties . 52
Table 4-16 Requirements for explosive delay properties . 53
Table 4-17 General requirements for explosively actuated device properties . 54
Table 4-18 Requirements for separation nut and separation bolt properties . 55
Table 4-19 Requirements for puller properties . 56
Table 4-20 Requirements for pusher properties . 56
Table 4-21 Requirements for cutter properties . 57
Table 4-22 Requirements for valve properties . 57
Table 4-23 Safety tests. 60
Table 4-24 Reliability methods . 61
Table 4-25 Qualification tests . 62
Table 4-26 Acceptance tests . 63

Table A-1 Component qualification test levels . 68
Table A-2 Pyroshocks for launcher and satellites . 69
Table B-1 List of deliverable documents to be used in context of this standard . 70

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European Foreword
This document (FprEN 16603-33-11:2018) has been prepared by Technical Committee
CEN/CLC/TC 5 “Space”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN (Germany).
This document (FprEN 16603-33-11:2018) originates from ECSS-E-ST-33-11C Rev.1.
This document is currently submitted to the Unique Acceptance Procedure.
This document will supersede EN 14607-6:2004.
Changes to EN 14607-6:2004 that was based on ECSS-E-30 Part 6A (25 April 2000) are:
• Complete edit to conform to the ECSS Drafting Rules for "ECSS Issue C standards"
• Implementation of ECSS Change Requests and harmonization the standard with
ISO in ECSS Revision 1 (2017)
• Change of the title from "Space engineering - Mechanical - Part 6: Pryotechnics" to
"Space engineering – Explosive subsystems and devices"
• Use of the more accurate term "explosive" rather than "pyrotechnics" in relation to
the subject components and systems
• Emphasis on reliability coupled with confidence level for performance properties
• Inclusion of detailed requirements for the different types of explosive device
• Emphasis on the requirement for properties of components to be agreed with the
end user before commitment to purchase.

This document has been developed to cover specifically space systems and will
therefore have precedence over any EN covering the same scope but with a wider
domain of applicability (e.g.: aerospace).
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European
Commission and the European Free Trade Association

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Introduction
As any explosive item used for flight can function only once, it can never be fully
tested before its crucial mission operation. The required confidence can only be
established indirectly by the testing of identical items. Test results and theoretical
justification are essential for demonstration of fulfilment of the requirements. The
requirement for repeatability shows that product assurance plays a crucial role in
support of technical aspects.
The need for statistics requires that the explosive components used in the explosive
subsystem be tested and characterized extensively. The variability in components
requires that manufacturers prove to customers that delivered items are identical to
those qualified.
The failure or unintentional operation of an explosive item can be catastrophic for the
whole mission and life threatening. Specific requirements can exist for the items
associated with it. As all explosives where ever used are treated similarly, the same
requirements, regulations, practices and standards need to be applied to help
avoiding human error.
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1
Scope
This Standard defines the requirements for the use of explosives on all spacecraft and
other space products including launch vehicles. It addresses the aspects of design,
analysis, verification, manufacturing, operations and safety.
This standard may be tailored for the specific characteristics and constraints of a space
project in conformance with ECSS-S-ST-00.
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2
Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in
this text, constitute provisions of this ECSS Standard. For dated references, subsequent
amendments to, or revision of any of these publications, do not apply. However,
parties to agreements based on this ECSS Standard are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the more recent editions of the normative documents indicated
below. For undated references, the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.

ECSS-S-ST-00-01 ECSS system - Glossary of terms
ECSS-E-ST-10-02 Space engineering - Verification
ECSS-E-ST-10-03 Space engineering - Testing
ECSS-E-ST-20 Space engineering - Electrical and electronic
ECSS-E-ST-20-07 Space engineering – Electromagnetic compatibility
ECSS-E-ST-32-10 Space engineering - Reliability based mechanical factors
of safety
ECSS-E-ST-33-01 Space engineering - Mechanisms
ECSS-Q-ST-20 Space product assurance - Quality assurance
ECSS-Q-ST-30 Space product assurance - Dependability
ECSS-Q-ST-40 Space product assurance - Safety
ECSS-Q-ST-70-01 Space product assurance - Contamination and
cleanliness control
ECSS-M-ST-40 Space management - Configuration and information
management
ST/SG/AC.10/1 latest Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous
version (UNECE Goods – Model Regulations
publication)
Commission Directive Commission Directive 2012/4/EU of 22 February 2012
2012/4/EU (22 February amending Directive 2008/43/EC setting up, pursuant to
2012) Council Directive 93/15/EEC, a system for the
identification and traceability of explosives for civil uses
Commission Directive Commission Directive 2008/43/EC of 4 April 2008 setting
2008/43/EC (4 April up, pursuant to Council Directive 93/15/EEC, a system
2008) for the identification and traceability of explosives for
civil uses
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Council Directive Council Directive 93/15/EEC of 5 April 1993 on the
93/15/EEC (5 April 1993) harmonization of the provisions relating to the placing
on the market and supervision of explosives for civil
uses
Dictionary of explosive Groupe de Travail de Pyrotechnie, Dictionnaire de
related terms, 7th pyrotechnie
Edition, 2016
For launcher subsystems and Transfer Vehicle
programmes, the specific General Specification (SG)
or Design Rules (DR) documents are applicable for
designing, dimensioning and testing.
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3
Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms defined in other standards
a. For the purpose of this Standard, the terms and definitions from
ECSS-S-ST-00-01 apply, in particular for the following terms:
1. lifetime
3.2 Terms specific to the present standard
3.2.1 all fire
stimulus with a probability of functioning equal to or better than 0,999 at 95 %
confidence level
3.2.2 arm plug receptacle
connector mounted on the skin of a spacecraft that can be connected to a Safe or Test
or Arm plug
3.2.3 armed
status of an explosive subsystem when all the safety devices have been disabled and
which can be triggered
[Adapted from Dictionary of explosive related terms]
3.2.4 cartridge
explosive device designed to produce pressure for performing a mechanical function
A cartridge is called an initiator if it is the first or only
explosive element in an explosive train (see definition
3.2.14).
3.2.5 charge
explosive loaded in a cartridge, detonator, or separate container for use in an
explosive device
3.2.6 component
smallest functional item in an explosive subsystem
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3.2.7 deflagration
self-sustaining, exothermic decomposition reaction of an explosive substance, whose
apparent velocity is less than the velocity of sound in the substance and greater than
the speed of sound in air
It is generally accepted that the energy transmission
takes place via a mechanical compression wave. This
type of reaction is intermediary between combustion
and detonation. It differs from combustion through
the presence of a significant compression wave in the
surrounding environment.
[Dictionary of explosive related terms]
3.2.8 detonation
exothermic decomposition reaction of an explosive substance self-sustained by a
shock wave, whose velocity of propagation is greater than the velocity of sound in the
substance
The velocity of propagation is of the order of several
thousands of m/s.
[Dictionary of explosive related terms]
3.2.9 detonator
initiator whose function is to transform external energy directly into a shock wave
strong enough to detonate a secondary high explosive
External energy can be, for example, mechanical,
electrical and thermal.
[Dictionary of explosive related terms]
3.2.10 electro-explosive device
device containing some reaction mixture that is electrically initiated
NOTE 1 The output of the initiation is heat, shock or
mechanical action.
NOTE 2 The reaction mixture can be explosive or pyrotechnic.
[Dictionary of explosive related terms]
3.2.11 end-user
person who or organization that actually uses a product
NOTE 1 The end-user need not to be the owner or buyer.
NOTE 2 In the context of this standard the end user is
generally the first level customer.
3.2.12 energetic material
material consisting of, or containing, an explosive, oxidizer, fuel, or combination of
them, that can undergo, contribute to, or cause rapid exothermic decomposition,
combustion, deflagration, or detonation
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3.2.13 explosively actuated device
device that converts the products of explosion into useful mechanical work
NOTE 1 The explosion can be combustion, deflagration or
detonation.
NOTE 2 Pyromechanisms and linear detonating separation
devices are explosively actuated devices.
3.2.14 explosive train
series of explosive components including the initiator, explosive transfer assembly
and explosively actuated device
3.2.15 explosive component
discrete item containing an explosive substance
3.2.16 explosive function
function that uses energy released from explosive substances for its operation
3.2.17 explosive subsystem
collection of all the explosive trains on the spacecraft or launcher system, and the
interface aspects of any on-board computers, launch operation equipment, ground
support and test equipment and all software associated with explosive functions
3.2.18 fail operational
mission capable after one failure
Maintaining operational conditions after one failure
and safety conditions after a second independent
failure is referred to as "Fail operational – Fail safe".
3.2.19 fail safe
design property of a subsystem, or part of it, which remains safe after one failure
Maintaining safety following two independent
failures is referred to as "Fail safe – Fail safe".
3.2.20 gas generators
explosive devices that produce a volume of gas or exothermic output or both
E.g. pyrotechnic igniters for solid propulsion
applications, gas generator for inflatable structures.
3.2.21 initiator
basic component located upstream of an explosive train, from which originates a
transformation of mechanical, electrical or optical energy, the effect produced being a
combustion, deflagration or detonation.
NOTE 1 It contains a small quantity of an energetic material.
NOTE 2 Examples: hot bridge wire initiator, exploding bridge
wire initiator
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3.2.22 limit testing
testing to establish the limit of a performance characteristic of a component
3.2.23 lot
group of components produced in homogeneous groups and under uniform
conditions
A batch is the same as a lot.
3.2.24 lot acceptance
demonstration by measurement or test that a lot of items meets requirements
3.2.25 no fire
stimulus with a probability of functioning equal to or less than 0,001 at 95 %
confidence level
3.2.26 packaged charge
explosive material in a closed container
3.2.27 pyrotechnic device
a basic pyrotechnic object containing explosive substances and intended to perform an
initiation (ignition, priming), pyrotechnic effect transmission, amplification or
generation function
[Dictionary of explosive related terms]
3.2.28 pyromechanism
device intended to perform one or more mechanical actions, using the energy
produced by the reaction of an energetic material
[Dictionary of explosive related terms]
3
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