Protoflight

Protoflight is a portmanteau of "prototype" and "flight hardware". As defined by NASA Technical Standard NASA-STD-7002A,[1] it refers to a strategy where no test-dedicated qualification article exists and all production (flight) hardware is intended for flight. An example of a program using protoflight methods is the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter project.[2]

A protoflight approach carries a higher technical risk approach compared to a full qualification test program since it has no demonstrated life capability over the anticipated life cycle of the hardware, but is a technology development design process that utilizes higher risk tolerances, agile management practices, and quick responsiveness that are needed for certain prototype flight projects or missions.[3]

Examples

Atmospheric Reentry Demonstrator

References

NASA Technical Standard NASA-STD-7002A Archived 2013-02-17 at the Wayback Machine, "Payload Test Requirements," National Aeronautics and Space Administration, September 10, 2004. (Retrieved 8 March 2015)
MOLA Analysis Definitions - NASA GFRC
Protoflight Solutions

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[1] NASA Technical Standard NASA-STD-7002A Archived 2013-02-17 at the Wayback Machine, "Payload Test Requirements," National Aeronautics and Space Administration, September 10, 2004. (Retrieved 8 March 2015)

[2] MOLA Analysis Definitions - NASA GFRC

[3] Protoflight Solutions