NASA Systems Engineering Handbook Rev. 2 Open Comment Period Closes May 30

NASA has opened a public comment period for a revised NASA/SP-2016-6105 with model-based approach guidance, updated V&V content for software-intensive systems, and new material on SE in Agile programs.

NASA SE Handbook Revision — Public Comment Open

NASA's Office of the Chief Engineer has opened public comments on the revised Systems Engineering Handbook (NASA/SP-2016-6105 Rev. 2). Comments close May 30, 2026.

What is being revised:

Model-based SE chapter: A substantially expanded MBSE section addressing tool selection, model governance, and integration with traditional document-based artifacts. The approach is pragmatic — acknowledging that full model-based approaches are not always feasible.

V&V for software-intensive systems: Updated to reflect current practice, including simulation-based V&V and the treatment of software as a system-level hazard contributor.

Agile SE appendix: New appendix material addresses how NASA program offices can structure SE governance in programs where the development team uses Agile frameworks.