“Staying within the Box” on AIM (James Russell III)
The development of a satellite mission comes with many challenges even when everything develops as expected. Virtually always, however, the expected does not occur. Instrument sensitivities do not materialize as planned; pointing systems underperform; interactions among the payload, spacecraft, and the launch vehicle create vibration loads that threaten the integrity of the observatory; and looming cost overruns require compromises to be made in the hardware and science return. In order to develop and implement a robust mission, the unexpected should always be anticipated. Workaround approaches, design alternatives, team adjustments, and close attention to detail are essential in order to successfully implement a mission.
Related Resources
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Chief Program Management Officer (NASA Only)Strengthening program and project management to increase performance and enable long-term mission success for NASA.
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Opportunities for Team Development Based on Lessons Learned From Spaceflight Operations
Lessons learned over a career are useful for identifying team development opportunities to ensure mission success and safety of flight. All human and robotic spaceflight is accomplished by teams of people working with technology. Spaceflight is about leading and organizig teams of people to solve engineering problems
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Bill Tindall, Master Integrator of Gemini and ApolloHoward Wilson “Bill” Tindall Jr. is credited by many who worked in the Gemini and Apollo Programs with playing a key role in leading the development of flight techniques used to design and fly the Gemini and Apollo missions.
