Frontiers of Engineering Reports on Leading-Edge Engineering From the 2000 NAE Symposium on Frontiers in Engineering (2001) / Chapter Skim
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Systems Engineering Challenges of the International Space Station
Systems Engineering Challenges of the International Space Station
Pages 1-9
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From page 3... ...
Here I address these unique challenges, focusing on areas where traditional thinking may be either of limited value or, in some cases, counterproductive in understanding the critical issues associated with this class of very large-scale, technically and organizationally complex projects. PROGRAM OVERVIEW The ISS program may well be the largest single international engineering project in history.
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After several design concept iterations (many driven by funding changes) , the Space Station Freedom configuration was replaced by the Alpha configuration in 1993, and it was again modified to the final ISS configuration with joint Russian participation fully defined in 1994.
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This operational experience base is significant because, despite the sophistication of analysis techniques and simulation technologies, there remains a substantial element of iterative, "cut and try" optimization in the basic engineering process. Analytical methodologies require correlation, and operational experience nearly always generates significant learning.
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Neutral buoyancy testing is used for similar development and validation goals, when zero gravity, rather than thermal vacuum effects, is the critical simulation parameter. Although the mechanical systems simulations are typically of lower fidelity, neutral buoyancy testing allows realistic assessment of zero-gravity operational procedures and is the preferred means for validating large-scale operations and for conducting crew training.
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originally built to process the Saturn V and currently used to assemble the Space Shuttle and its external tanks and solid rocket boosters and the crawler-transporter used to move the final assembled vehicle and mobile launch platform from the VAB to the launch pad has an appreciation for the massive infrastructure requirements of a major space project. The ISS program has benefited substantially from the existence of the Apollo-era
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From page 8... ...
Minimizing the additional infrastructure requirements and reducing the cost of developing and maintaining that infrastructure will be key to the economic viability of future human space projects. While minimizing the required asset base is a key focus across many of today's manufacturing industries, properly valuing the existing infrastructure and minimizing additional investment requirements are more complex for multinational projects, particularly those with a legacy of heavy government involvement.
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From page 9... ...
This paper has focused on the definition and description of these unique challenges, but the more critical job is to extend the lessons of the ISS to better prepare the engineering community for the challenges of similar projects in the years to come.
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