初始化的一般定义是从航天器（SC）与发射器分离时开始。在某些情况下，更准确的定义是，根据发射配置的SC模式或状态的计划变化，在飞行中开始初始化。当SC（包括其有效载荷）获得初始任务运行认证时，调试完成。在任务运行认证之前，SC在ISO 10784的三个部分中被描述为一个测试品。ISO 10784不包括应急计划的要求，但包括应急计划需求的声明。 ISO 10784-2:2011为SC制造商和操作员提供了一种特定的形式和格式，用于编写配置和验证SC以执行正常任务操作所需的航天器初始化计划。由于SC在其使用寿命的这一阶段被视为试验品，ISO 17566被用作构建初始计划的规范性参考。 它为SC制造商、运营商和其他利益相关者提供了一种通用语言和表格，用于在正常SC任务运行之前验证和记录航天器初始化。

A general definition of initialization is that it begins at separation of the spacecraft (SC) from the launcher. In some cases, a more exact definition will be that initialization begins in flight, upon planned change in mode or state of the SC from the launch configuration. Commissioning is completed when the SC, including its payload, is certified for initial mission operations. Prior to certification for mission operations, the SC is described as a test article in the three parts of ISO 10784. ISO 10784 does not include a requirement for contingency plans, but does include a statement of the need for contingency planning. ISO 10784-2:2011 provides SC manufacturers and operators with a specific form and format to write spacecraft initialization plans required to configure and verify the SC to perform normal mission operations. Since the SC is considered a test article at this phase of its operational life, ISO 17566 is used as a normative reference in constructing the initialization plan. It provides SC manufacturers, operators and other stakeholders with a common language and form to verify and document spacecraft initialization prior to normal SC mission operations.