It is the objective of this document to provide interested parties involved in the initiation of a new missile or space system on the international level, a reference book of "guidelines" for the establishment of an effective mass properties control program. This document has been compiled by a panel of mass properties engineers representing both government agencies and industry in the United States and in Europe. Drawing Collectively on the wealth of experience represented in the international Society of Allied Weight Engineers (S.A.W.E.), and specifically on the experience of the Space Shuttle/Space lab program, a list of elements to be considered is furnished along with related comments.