Verification & Validation
Space missions operate under unique constraints. Unlike many other industries, spacecraft cannot be fully tested before launch. Space environments cannot be completely replicated on the ground, and launching a spacecraft purely for testing purposes is neither technically practical nor economically viable.
As a result, verification and validation (V&V) for space systems must address a fundamental challenge: ensuring the highest possible level of confidence in software and system behaviour without the ability to perform exhaustive end-to-end testing in real operational conditions.
Verification under extreme constraints
The inability to fully test spacecraft on the ground makes V&V activities significantly more demanding. Effective validation requires carefully designed test strategies that maximise coverage while remaining realistic and efficient.
Drawing on participation in more than fifteen space missions, we combine complementary verification approaches — including Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Model-in-the-Loop (MIL), and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) — to achieve robust validation across software and system levels. This layered approach enables early detection of issues, controlled risk reduction, and informed decision-making throughout the development lifecycle.
Learning from mission heritage
When in-flight testing is limited, experience becomes a critical asset. Lessons learned from previous missions play a central role in effective verification:
Which failures occurred and why
How issues were detected and resolved
Which software and system architectures proved robust
Where specification gaps or design weaknesses emerged
Our long-standing involvement in space programmes allows us to apply this accumulated knowledge directly to new missions, strengthening validation strategies and avoiding known pitfalls.
Confidence through rigorous verification
By combining structured verification methods, mission heritage, and close collaboration with customer teams, we help space organisations achieve the highest possible confidence in software behaviour — despite the inherent constraints of space testing.
Our approach to safety-critical V&V supports mission success by reducing risk, improving robustness, and ensuring readiness for operation in the most demanding environments.
Independent Software Verification & Validation (ISVV)
Provision of independent software verification and validation services, including ISVV activities aligned with mission-specific tailoring of the European Space Agency ISVV Guide — a framework to which we have directly contributed. Our ISVV services support objective assessment of software quality, compliance, and readiness.
On-Board Software Validation (TS/RB Validation)
Validation of on-board software ranging from complete OBSW stacks to selected functional blocks. Services can be applied at any stage of the validation process, including projects starting from partial or incomplete validation states.
AIT and Functional Verification Support
Support for functional verification and Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) activities, including:
Functional testing of central software within FV/AIT test benches
Functional testing of equipment (e.g. star trackers and other avionics units)
Support to proto-flight model (PFM) testing
Our experience includes missions such as CryoSat-2 (AIT and PFM support) and ExoMars TGO (functional verification support and coordination between FV, AIT, and OBSW teams), among others.
On-Board Software V&V Support
Execution of targeted V&V activities across the on-board software lifecycle, extending or complementing existing customer teams. This service can be deployed to address project peaks, contingency situations, or the outsourcing of defined V&V work packages.