Announcement

 

ISTO Space Systems MOSA Interface Standards Alliance
Announces Industry Webinar:

“MOSA Interoperability Standards for Space Systems”
August 26, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PDT / 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT

July 2026 PISCATAWAY, NJ — The ISTO Space Systems MOSA Interface Standards Alliance, governed by the Space Systems Command, NASA and the NRO, is proud to announce its upcoming webinar “MOSA Interoperability Standards for Space Systems” scheduled for August 26, 2026. This event will bring together innovators from government, industry, and academia to discuss critical advancements in modular open system approaches (MOSA) and highlight pioneering methods in standards development that are shaping the future of space technology.

The Case for MOSA Standards in Space Systems
MOSA is more than a best practice—it is a Department of Defense mandate (“to the maximum extent possible,” DoD Instruction 5000.88) and a strategic approach to achieving plug-and-play interoperability across conforming systems. By defining and adopting open standards, organizations can accelerate technology refresh, increase competition, and reduce overall program risks. Industry research and defense analyses (NDIA, 2023) agree that MOSA standards lower lifecycle costs, speed up integration, and help adapt rapidly to evolving mission requirements, all while mitigating vendor lock-in and obsolescence.

Pioneering Advances by the MOSA Alliance
The Alliance stands at the forefront of standards development, setting new industry
benchmarks:

  • First to develop system-level standardized interface standards via true industry consensus. Unlike traditional mission assurance standards that capture best practices, these new interface standards require rigorous technical analysis, prototyping, and validation—work enabled by expert participation from across the sector.
  • First to use Agile methods to accelerate standards development. Alliance committees operate in six-month sprints, each delivering a contract-ready minimum viable product (MVP). Existing interoperability standards can be reviewed in as little as 2–3 months, while new interface standards are typically completed in 18–24 months. Supplemental guides are often produced in a single sprint.
  • First to develop fully digital standards in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) models. Unlike “flat file” digital documents, MBSE models enable simulation and digital twin development, improving traceability and helping users apply standards in real-world scenarios. The Alliance is also standardizing MBSE model federation, paving the way for enhanced enterprise- level analyses.
  • First industry consortium with the ability to develop classified standards by (qualified) industry consensus. With participation from agencies such as SSC, NRO, and NASA, and leadership from Aerospace and Government SETAs, the Alliance can address both open and classified needs, ensuring national security and mission assurance.

In addition, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) play a vital role in the standards process, providing non-proprietary, technically rigorous requirements development in compliance with MOSA laws. Their involvement ensures that government and industry can
collaboratively produce standards that are both technically sound and widely adoptable.

Webinar Program Highlights
Attendees will gain direct insights into the Alliance’s agile and digital engineering methods, see live demonstrations of MOSA standards in action, and hear from experts who are leading the charge in space systems interoperability. The webinar will also feature interactive Q&A sessions, offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with thought leaders from the government, industry, and academia.

Why Attend?
This is a must-attend event for anyone involved in space systems development, acquisition, or integration. Whether you are a program manager, engineer, policymaker, or industry executive, this webinar will provide valuable knowledge, practical examples, and networking opportunities to help you leverage MOSA standards for mission success.

Event Details:

  • Date: August 26, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PDT / 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
  • REGISTER HERE

About the ISTO Space Systems MOSA Interface Standards Alliance
Formed in 2022, the ISTO Space Systems MOSA Interface Standards Alliance is a collaborative initiative uniting government, industry, and academic partners to develop and promote open interface standards. Our mission is to accelerate innovation, reduce costs, and ensure seamless interoperability across the space systems sector. For more information, visit interoperabilityalliance.org.

About ISTO
ISTO mentors communities developing, certifying, and promoting technology standards, best practices, guidelines, open source, and implementation  activities. A premier trusted partner of the global technology community, ISTO has become an international federation of member programs supporting missions and technologies for over 70 industry collectives spanning the spectrum of electrotechnology. For more information, visit isto.org.

Media Contact:
ISTO Space Systems MOSA Interface Standards Alliance
mosa.webinar@aero.org

Space Systems MOSA Interface Standards Alliance Announces Formation for Standards Development

Unifying the development of Standards that promote and enable standardized space system interfaces toward the achievement of plug-and-play interoperability

PISCATAWAY, NJ 8 DECEMBER 2022: The IEEE Industry Standards and Technology Organization (ISTO), an international federation of leading groups and consortia dedicated to the advancement of standardized technologies for the benefit of industry, today announces its newest member program, Space Systems MOSA Interface Standards Alliance.

Sponsored by the Space Systems Command (SSC) under the United States Space Force (USSF), the Space Systems MOSA Interface Standards Alliance is a Government-guided collaboration with IEEE-ISTO for the development of Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) interface standards that enable interoperability at key space system interfaces. Standardization of key space system interfaces will provide the warfighter with resilient systems that enable rapid technology insertion and refreshments.

According to the DoD Defense Standardization Program (DSP) website, “MOSA enabling standards can best be described as widely accepted, supported and consensus-based standards set by recognized standards organizations or the marketplace.” A recent message from the SSC Commander stated, “We must look across our entire space enterprise as an integrated system of many systems and missions – and consider interoperability and resilience a critical part of delivering any space capability.”

“SSC is pleased to collaborate with IEEE-ISTO to develop industry consensus-based standards. Collaboration with industry on interface standards is essential to ensure the standards meet both industry and mission needs”, said Dr. Claire Leon, SSC’s Space Systems Integration Office director. “Establishing robust interface standards will improve interoperability between systems and enhance our U.S. space systems resiliency.”

“IEEE-ISTO welcomes the Space Systems MOSA Interface Standards Alliance as a new member program of IEEE-ISTO Federation of Programs. IEEE-ISTO looks forward to collaborating on this important step in achieving space system interoperability and the Alliance’s
mission to develop industry consensus-based standards to effectively advance U.S. Space Programs” said Adam Newman, IEEE-ISTO president.

The Space Systems MOSA Interface Standards Alliance brings together committees of specialized technical skill sets from industry and spacefaring Government partners whose combined expertise will inform consensus-developed, immediately implementable standards that enable Government-driven objectives. Furthermore, Government-guided interface standardization will increase opportunities for new entrants to better compete in the established market.

“As the Space Systems MOSA Interface Standards lead, I’m looking forward to collaborating with the IEEE-ISTO, industry, and National Security Space partners in the development of a synergistic set of space system interoperability standards that will help move SSC into a future of new technological capabilities for a strong Space Force”, said Eric Mattessich, SSC’s Space System Integration Office. “Standardized interfaces will foster a wider Space industrial base and increase potential opportunities for us to benefit from a broader range of innovations by new entrants and our current industrial base.”

For more information on the Space Systems MOSA Interface Standards Alliance, please visit our website at https://www.InteroperabilityAlliance.org.
For media inquiries, please contact Katherine Valenti at katherine.valenti@ieee-isto.org .

Space Systems MOSA Interface Standards Alliance Announces Formation for Standards Development