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    The Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) assures the safety and enhances the success of all NASA activities. Take a look around our website to learn what's happening in NASA's Safety and Mission Assurance community, including updates on disciplines, programs, policies and personnel.

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What's Happening in the SMA Community?

software

Using Software Assurance in AI Systems

February 12, 2026
3-minute read
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The Critical Role of Software Requirements Analysis and How QVscribe Can Help

February 12, 2026
3-minute read

Software requirements analysis is a pivotal stage in the software development life cycle. It ensures that documented requirements accurately reflect operational needs and establish a solid foundation for design, development and implementation. Poorly defined requirements can lead to significant setbacks, including costly rework, safety risks and system failures. For NASA projects—where precision, safety and reliability are paramount—requirements analysis is not optional; it is a critical necessity.

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biostar

Introducing BioSTAR: NASA’s Bioburden and Sampling Tool for Assessing Risk

December 16, 2025
2-minute read

The first release of NASA’s BioSTAR tool is here — and it’s ready to make life easier for Planetary Protection engineers across the agency! BioSTAR is an interactive, web-based tool that brings everything you need for estimating bioburden and building your Planetary Protection Equipment List (PPEL) together in one place.

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EEE Parts Bulletin

New Issue of EEE Parts Bulletin Now Available, July 2025

August 25, 2025
1-minute read

The EEE Parts Bulletin for July 2025 provides recommendations on Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) control in semiconductor wafer fabrication.

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NASA Safety Reporting

NASA Safety Reporting

Learn more about reporting safety concerns at NASA.
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Yes, If Program

At NASA, safety is our first priority. When the possibility of something comes into question, our response should begin with, "Yes, if" instead of "No, because." Those who have exemplified this spirit of ingenuity, creativity and commitment to safety have received the "Yes, If" coin from the current chief of Safety and Mission Assurance. Recognize a NASA colleague who you believe should earn a "Yes, If" coin.

yes-if-coin

Learn More About Yes, If Program


Office of Safety and Mission Assurance

What We Do

The Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) assures the safety and enhances the success of all NASA activities through the development, implementation and oversight of agency-wide safety, reliability, maintainability and quality assurance policies and procedures. OSMA includes the Mission Support Division, Safety and Assurance Requirements Division, and NASA Safety Center, as well as the Independent Verification and Validation Facility.

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Policy Status Updates

Recently Published 

Recently Published
PolicyTitleEffective Date 
NPR 8705.6
Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) Audits, Reviews, and Assessments
July 22, 2025See NPR 8705.6
» More Policy Updates

Currently in Review

Currently in Review
PolicyTitle 
NPR 8715.26Nuclear Flight SafetySee NPR 8715.26
NASA-STD-8739.11
Quad-E Parts Selection, Testing and Derating Standard 
NASA-STD-8719.12Safety Standard for Explosives, Propellants, and PyrotechnicsSee NASA STD-8719.12
NASA-STD-8739.22Radiation Hardness Assurance 
NPR 8621.1NASA Procedural Requirements for Mishap and Close Call Reporting, Investigating, and RecordkeepingSee NPR 8621.1
NASA-STD-8719.30Standard for Meeting NASA Nuclear Flight Safety Requirements 
» More Policy Updates

Upcoming Reviews

» More Policy Updates
Upcoming Reviews To see that latest draft of a policy or participate in a review, please send us a request.
PolicyTitle