Management of independent software acceptance test in the space domain: A practitioner's view

This paper discusses management of the independent acceptance test activity in a space domain software development cycle. The goal of acceptance test is to independently verify functional software requirements to achieve a high level of confidence in the software system before release for operational use. Key management areas have been identified through internal independent acceptance test practice at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory for NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes software system. The key management areas have been categorized as People, Constraints, Needs and Quality (PCNQ). The supporting framework for management of the PCNQ factors encompasses the established lines and means of communications for the project, and the organizational culture. The PCNQ areas and their relationships must be strategically managed within the framework for an effective independent acceptance test of a spacecraft's mission software system. The concepts presented in this paper will promote understanding of the management role of an independent software acceptance test activity in the space domain.