The document recommends engineering inserts and practices for European programs and projects. It may be cited in contracts and program documents as a reference for guidance to meet specific program/project needs.

The target users of this handbook are engineers involved in the design, analysis and verification of launchers and spacecraft in relation to insert usage. The current know-how is documented in this handbook in order to make expertise to all European developers of space systems.

It is a guidelines document, therefore it includes advisory information rather than requirements.