ISO 17851:2016 provides a general description of the whole set of space environment components which affect spacecrafts in various outer space regions, and the physical and chemical processes causing material degradation in a space environment, including synergistic effects. This International Standard defines the most important general principles and criteria of space environment simulation during material tests, and formulates the general requirements to laboratory test facilities and to physical and mathematical models that are applied to the research of the space environment impact on materials. The basic purpose of this International Standard is to

- provide a general description of the methodology in selecting a set of space environment components and their characteristics during spacecraft material tests, and

- determine general principles and criteria for the tests.

Additionally, such methodology will help in the understanding of the degree of coverage of space materials tests with existing International Standards on the specific test types, and help define the actual directions in developing new International Standards.

ISO 17851:2016 can be applied as a reference document in designing spacecrafts, forecasting spacecraft lifetime, conducting ground-based tests, and analyzing changes in material properties during operation.