In this paper, a comprehensive review of the evolving engineering and testing methodologies for radiation hardness assurance (RHA) in commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) based space avionics, with a focus on recent trends and future directions is provided. The increasing reliance of space engineering on COTS has prompted a shift in RHA strategies, reflecting both technological advances and the complex radiation environments faced by modern space systems. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between traditional RHA frameworks and the integration of state-of-the-art design principles, fault-tolerant architectures and testing approaches. The review highlights how evolving system requirements and accelerated development cycles have influenced radiation testing practices and risk mitigation techniques. Examples are presented of enhancing reliability under radiation exposure, including reconfigurable systems, agile engineering processes and system-level validation. Emerging applications, including intelligent onboard systems and distributed satellite networks, are discussed with attention to their unique challenges and opportunities in RHA. The review concludes with a perspective on the critical gaps and future needs to advance RHA practices in support of increasingly complex and resource-constrained space missions.

At TU Delft, we are not just educating engineers; we are shaping the future of engineering and engineering education. We are empowering our students to become the kind of leaders who can navigate complexity, embrace change, and build a better world, also under VUCA conditions. In this manifesto, we develop a line of reasoning to rethink our education, moving away from ‘professional problem solvers’ to ‘individuals who care for our collective future from an engineering background.’
We believe that TU Delft has a unique opportunity to lead the way in reimagining engineering education for the VUCA world. By embracing the principles outlined in this manifesto, we can empower our students to become the future-proof engineers that our society needs. We invite all members of the TU Delft community – faculty, students, and staff – to join us on this exciting journey.