Exploration Ground Systems Program challenges, solutions and lessons learned since the end of the Space Shuttle Program have been captured in an effort to transfer the knowledge to NASA program and project managers.
The Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) Knowledge Capture & Transfer team conducted video interviews with element managers in the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program Office at Kennedy Space Center. The interviews, available on the Knowledge @ NASA YouTube Channel, captured a point-in-time profile of challenges, solutions and lessons learned derived from EGS element development activity from the end of the Space Shuttle Program to October 2017, when the interviews were recorded.
The ultimate objective was to transfer the knowledge to other program and project managers and participants across NASA to enhance effectiveness and efficiencies in implementing their activities.
Significant implementation challenges, including parallel development, technical integration, safety and hazards management, and working with heritage hardware, were identified.
Lesson Number: 25304
Lesson Date: May 1, 2018
Submitting Organization: Headquarters
HIGHLIGHTS
LESSONS LEARNED
- Managers in every case emphasized the importance of communicating and enabling communication vertically and horizontally within the project team. All modalities of communication were recognized as important – especially face-to-face.
- Streamlining organization structure and work processes was discussed as an important consideration in effectively accomplishing the mission.
- Risk management was cited most often in the context of schedule management. Identifying potential threats to the critical path was a universal concern and served as a driver for other management elements (e.g., procurement, organizational streamlining, co-location).
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Recommendations are captured in the HEOMD full report accompanying the lesson learned.
- Interviewees offered first-person messages to students at all levels addressing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and sharing their enthusiasm for working at NASA.
Consult the lesson learned for complete lists.
Spotlight on Lessons Learned is a monthly series of articles that feature a valuable lesson along with perspective from NASA’s knowledge management community on why the lesson is important. The full lessons are publicly available in NASA’s Lessons Learned Information System (LLIS).
If you have a favorite NASA lesson learned that belongs in the spotlight, please contact us and be sure to include the LLIS Lesson Number.