Release Terminology

Code complete - All scheduled release development life cycle code except for minor bugs are committed to the main repository and their associated test script are committed to the test repository.
Feature complete - all planned features (new requirements, enhancements) are implemented in the system all documentation updates and software configurations are committed to the main repository.
- Docs complete (e.g., GMAT UG, API UG, Specs) with exception of minor tweaks.
- Software configuration (e.g. GMAT version number in About, updates to welcome screen, updates to data files) complete
- 90% of new regression tests are complete; if there are bugs, they are mostly minor and cosmetic.
RC0 - Initial Release Candidate that can be generated at the time of Code Complete. RC0 is the first time where customers can exercise the software and provide feedback if there are issues associated with the release.
RC+ - Subsequent releases from RC0 that are feature complete and a potential candidate to be turned into the public release.

Release Lead Roles

Role	Assignee	Authority/Responsibility

Role	Assignee	Authority/Responsibility
Release Manager	EGD	"owns" release, initiates process, creates tracking page, sends daily status updates, tracks issues to completion, makes sure everyone gets their stuff done, brings decisions to CCB/team, maintains tracking page, collects lessons learned, documents process improvements for next release. Must be reachable during critical stages like creating and testing RCs.
Build Manager	Windows: PJC Mac: Ravi Linux: DJC	Controls build system, creates RCs, sends RC availability announcements. Must be reachable during critical stages like creating and testing RCs.
Test Manager	GUI: Tetyana Windows Script: PJC	Control GUI/script testing for each RC. Must be reachable during critical stages like creating and testing RCs.

This is a list of all risks (opened and closed) related to smooth release of R2026a.

Owner	Status	Description	Resolution

Owner	Status	Description	Resolution
EGD	Mitigate	wxWidgets 3.2.9 update being done close to the end of the release development cycle	Mitigating issues as they are found. In the event of a >minor roadblock, a decision will have to be made.
EGD	Mitigate	python 3.13/3.14 update being done close to the end of the release development cycle	Mitigating issues as they are found. In the event of a >minor roadblock, a decision will have to be made.
EGD	Mitigate	GUI test updates for wx 3.2.9 being done close to the end of the release development cycle	Mitigating issues as they are found. In the event of a >minor roadblock, a decision will have to be made.

All dates are referenced to 12:00 noon EDT.

For example, a deadline of March 15 should be interpreted as March 15, 12:00 noon EDT.

GMAT R2026a Jira List:

These are long-lead early tasks that can be completed before the detailed release cycle.

Use the checkmark () for complete, the yellow clock (

) for in-progress, and the cross () for an issue.

Task	Who	Status	Instructions

Task

Who

Status

Instructions

Obtain Release Authorization

EGD

Update and Submit SW Release Package via SRS (https://softwarerelease.ndc.nasa.gov/)

Update Sample Scripts

JWN

OFI: RM

OFI

============================

This includes

Above work ties in with the Release Notes. (Review list above again after Release Notes written).

Needed by Feature Complete Freeze.

Write examples that demonstrate new functionality
Clean up all errors and warnings
Remove deprecated fields
Make sure all the old and new sample scripts run correctly. (Note: There is a way to run all scrips in a folder, must be in Run_Mode=Testing)

Notes/Questions:

The OFI scripts are stored in the OFI repo, not in the GMAT repo. That's because OFI is an externally maintained and managed project.When GMAT is built, e.g. the windows build machine, it copies the OFI sample scripts into latestcompleteversion. That's how those scripts will be part of the release without being in the GMAT repo.
1. UPDATE: OFI sample script updates have been incorporated into the OFI repo
The sample script file names be pre-pended with R2022a_
Make sure all the API Folder (and associated sub-folder) sample scripts are updated and run correctly.
Starting with R2021a: For Nav, we will be adding python analysis scripts associated with the EKFS GPS point solution tutorial, to the GMAT releases. Thus, in addition to the usual GMAT sample scripts, we should be making sure that the non-GMAT scripts, such as these python analysis scripts, also still run correctly.