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Principal-Investigator-Led Missions in the Space Sciences (2006) / Chapter Skim
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6 Lessons Learned from PI-Led Mission Experiences
Pages 52-56

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From page 52...
... The mission design did not provide for telemetry coverage of the SRM burn, nor was there optical 1Information in this section is based on the Mishap Investigation Board Report, May 31, 2003.
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From page 53...
... It also recommended against relying heavily on previous analysis unless it has been shown to be applicable and appropriate to the current use and recommended recognizing and addressing the limits of critical expertise and experience within a project team. Genesis Genesis, a solar wind sample return mission, launched August 8, 2001.
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From page 54...
... Mishap investigation boards for these core missions reported conclusions in line with those for the PI-led mission technical failures. A reader unaware of the difference in management approaches would, in the committee's view, not be able to distinguish between the PI and core mission mishap reports.4 PROGRAMMATIC AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT FAILURES PI-led missions are selected for final formulation, development, and flight at the end of their concept (Phase A)
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From page 55...
... review and did not undergo formal confirmation review.5 (See Figure 3.1, which outlines the key milestones for PI-led missions.) Thus, although termination reviews typically apply to confirmed missions, a mission can be canceled prior to confirmation.
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From page 56...
... Genesis samples are being recovered and are expected to achieve a significant portion of the anticipated science return,8 and MESSENGER, in spite of cost growth and major delays, will undertake the first comprehensive survey of Mercury since Mariner 10 in the early to mid-1970s and, as such, it set the scientific context for subsequent investigations by the European and Japanese Bepi Colombo mission. Deep Impact was launched and achieved its targeted cometary impact goal.
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Key Terms

  • core missions
  • cost growth
  • termination review
  • termination reviews
  • mishap investigation

  • project management
  • budget office
  • estimated cost
  • core mission
  • cost increases

  • mission cost
  • technical failures
  • nasa headquarters
  • management failures
  • congressional budget

  • investigation board
  • vandenberg air
  • mission program
  • orbit insertion
  • analysis unless

  • causing engine
  • unacceptably exceeded
  • hindsight revealed
  • adequate oversight
  • installed upside

  • space research
  • institutional overhead
  • reviews cost
  • specific hardware
  • missions failed


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