results

Independent mechanical walkdowns of spacecraft are sometimes credited with discovering discrepancies that could have interfered with mission success.

Evaluation of costs associated with lightning strikes and other naturally occurring events should extend beyond facility repair to include impacts on science data, spacecraft commanding, and other mission-critical functions.

An investigation into the cause of intermittent electrical shorts on the Cassini space probe over a six-year period determined they were most likely due to the presence of tin whiskers. 

Failure of a launch vehicle payload fairing to separate during ascent resulted in the loss of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellite mission.

Testing and investigation identified an unexpected over-voltage condition as the proximate cause of failure of the radar instrument portion of the Soil Moisture Active Passive mission. 

Shared use of a requirements management database with NASA contractors and partners greatly aids engineering collaboration and communication.

Examination of data from the first seismometer on the surface of Mars just beginning.

A project manager needs to adapt to changing circumstances that arise during their project. The project manager needs to remain focused on the project requirements and not be fixated on the design or implementation path.

Carefully designing a customer-facing management organization can build strong working relationships that help complex missions and programs succeed.