The Vegetation Canopy Lidar (VCL) was selected in March 1997 as the first Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP) spaceflight mission. It was scheduled for launch in January 2000. As of the writing of this case study it has yet to fly. In light of the VCL history, it is easy to second-guess the selection and […]
This case study was developed in the interest of continuously improving program and project management at NASA. To augment a traditional case method approach, a theoretical framework adopted was from the sociotechnical systems tradition. These exercises prompt participants to understand MSTI success from the perspective of the NASA Project Cycle. Project cycle variances and key […]
This case study was developed in the interest of continuously improving program and project management at NASA. To augment a traditional case method approach, a theoretical framework adopted was from the sociotechnical systems tradition. These exercises prompt participants to understand AGATE success from the perspective of the NASA Project Life Cycle. Project Life Cycle variances […]
This case study was developed in the interest of continuously improving program and project management at NASA. These exercises prompt participants to understand HSR success from the perspective of the NASA Project Cycle. Project cycle variances and key practices and tools are identified in the context of project management.
The Wide-Field Infrared Explorer (WIRE) mission was meant to study the formation and evolution of galaxies. Its telescope was so delicate it had to be sealed inside a solid hydrogen cryostat. But when, shortly after launch, a digital error ejected the cryostat’s cover prematurely, hydrogen discharged with a force that sent the Small Explorer craft […]
It’s 1995. You’re the Johns Hopkins University APL Project Manager and have been contracted by NASA for the NEAR mission. Near’s Critical Design Review (CDR) has already passed, and everything’s been designed and coded. You’re right on target to meet the lofty goal of launching the spacecraft only 27 months from the mission’s inceptions. Suddenly, […]
