Excerpt: RLV Operations Technology Plan
Operability Assurance Process
Tasks Objective and Description
- Develop rigorous program for insuring the operability of
the next generation reusable launch vehicle and
infrastructure (implement operability accountability
throughout program).
- Effective and efficient (non-interfaced and concurrent)
engineering processes for all work phases: concept,
requirements, generic technology maturation, design,
development, demonstration, program and operations
phases.
- Advanced communications and organizational techniques and
measures of effectiveness and efficiency.
- Define an optimum launch/mission operations and
management approach for RLV.
Benefits
- Provide the structure for a concurrent engineering
environment.
- Enable the effective and efficient communications of
launch site expertise into design processes.
- Utilize latest available technology tools to facilitate
optimal management efficiency.
- Reduce recurring costs in operational phases by
implementing these techniques in as early stage of
technology persuits as possible.
- Highly responsive (time to respond to customer requests
with an implementation), effective (high benefit
producing) and efficient (ease of implementation)
organizational approaches and "ways of doing
business."
Development and Demonstration Approach
1. Establish the present environment. Clearly identify present
deficiencies and strengths of program organizational structures.
2. Establish and evaluate credible scenarios for various
possible strategies for infusing operability into all phases of
technology persuits. Survey and apply high tech commercial
management and operations strategies and supporting technologies.
3. Establish recommended strategies and advanced techniques
for overcoming deficiencies, maintaining strengths and with
highest possibility of success.
4. Implement prototype / pilot approach and refine.
5. Implement in applicable technology persuits.
Cost and Schedule
In Work.
Return to KSC Next
Gen Site
Edgar Zapata, NASA Kennedy Space Center
Shuttle Process Engineering Directorate, Fluid Systems Division