This standard defines the interdisciplinary tasks that are required throughout a system's life cycle to transform stakeholder needs@ requirements@ and constraints into a system solution. This standard is intended to guide the development of systems for commercial@ government@ military@ and space applications. The information applies to a project within an enterprise that is responsible for developing a product design and establishing the life cycle infrastructure needed to provide for life cycle sustainment. This standard specifies the requirements for the systems engineering process (SEP) and its application throughout the product life cycle. It does not attempt to define the implementation of each system life cycle process@ but addresses the issues associated with defining and establishing supportive life cycle processes early and continuously throughout product development. In addition@ the standard does not address the many cultural or quality variables that should be considered for successful product development. The standard focuses on the engineering activities necessary to guide product development while ensuring that the product is properly designed to make it affordable to produce@ own@ operate@ maintain@ and eventually to dispose of@ without undue risk to health or the environment. The requirements of this standard are applicable to new products as well as incremental enhancements to existing products. It applies to one-of-a-kind products@ such as a satellite@ as well as products that are mass-produced for the consumer marketplace. The requirements of this standard should be selectively applied for each specific system-development project. The role of systems engineering within the enterprise environment is described in Annex A. The content of this standard describes an integrated approach to product development@ which represents the total technical effort for the following: a) Understanding the environments and the related conditions in which the product may be utilized and for which the product should be designed to accommodate b) Defining product requirements in terms of functional and performance requirements@ quality factors@ usability@ producibility@ supportability@ safety@ and environmental impacts c) Defining the life cycle processes for manufacturing@ test@ distribution@ support@ training@ and disposal@ which are necessary to provide life cycle support for products