Develop, document, and implement a configuration management plan for the system that:
a. Addresses roles, responsibilities, and configuration management processes and procedures;
b. Establishes a process for identifying configuration items throughout the system development life cycle and for managing the configuration of the configuration items;
c. Defines the configuration items for the system and places the configuration items under configuration management;
d. Is reviewed and approved by [Assignment: organization-defined personnel or roles]; and
e. Protects the configuration management plan from unauthorized disclosure and modification.
A configuration-management plan for a spacecraft must bridge two very different lifecycle phases. During ground integration and testing, the plan should mirror terrestrial CM best practices (board approval, ticketing workflows, baseline repositories). Once the vehicle is on orbit, direct human access is impossible, so the plan must pivot to radio-frequency change channels, defining (i) who can authorize a delta to flight software, firmware, or command-database parameters; (ii) how the “gold” image and its cryptographic hashes are safeguarded; (iii) how version identifiers are embedded in telemetry for positive verification; and (iv) what emergency authorities exist to bypass standard change windows. The document should also mandate a sustaining flatsat / digital-twin environment that always reflects the current configuration, enabling offline forensic replay and regression testing before any uplinked modification.
Exploit ground system and use to maliciously to interact with the spacecraft
Sample Requirements
SPARTA ID
Requirement
Rationale/Additional Guidance/Notes
SPR-423
The [organization] shall develop, document, and implement a Configuration Management Plan for the spacecraft that defines the processes, procedures, and responsibilities for managing configuration changes and ensuring the security of the system.{SV-MA-6,SV-SP-4}{CM-9}
A formal CMP defines structured change governance. Clear roles and procedures reduce ambiguity. Lifecycle configuration control supports security enforcement. Documented processes strengthen compliance.
SPR-424
The [organization] shall ensure that all personnel involved in configuration management activities are trained and follow the procedures outlined in the Configuration Management Plan.{SV-MA-6}{CM-9}
Effective CM requires knowledgeable practitioners. Training ensures adherence to documented procedures. Skilled personnel reduce configuration drift. Governance effectiveness depends on execution.
SPR-425
The [organization] shall regularly update the Configuration Management Plan to reflect changes in the information system and to align with evolving security requirements.{SV-MA-6}{CM-9}
Evolving threats necessitate plan updates. Regular revision maintains relevance. Continuous improvement supports adaptive defense. Governance must remain dynamic.