Implementing a Software Verification and Validation Management Framework in the Space Industry

Abstract: Software designed for use in spacerelated applications has a particular set ofrequirements regarding dependability andreliability, due mostly to the high cost of thefinished products and to the difficulties ofperforming maintenance. In this setting,verification and validation activities becomeincreasingly important and increasinglyexpensive. At the same time, the industry isunder pressure to reduce expenditure withoutcompromising the quality of its products. Oneoption to reduce cost without reducing theoverall quality was to develop a framework forthe optimization of verification and validationactivities. One such framework, called VAMOS[1], was developed at an earlier stage. Thecurrent paper presents the implementation of theframework, together with the modifications thatwere made to ensure success and the reasoningbehind those modifications.