Managing Complex Space Missions Like the James Webb Space Telescope

Abstract

Program Management Summary; Organizational structure is established. Roles and responsibilities are well defined: a) All major contracts are in place. b) All foreign partners are in place, operating under signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). c) Partners include GSFC, NGST, Ball, ITT, ATK, STScI, ESA, CSA, UAz, LM, JPL, MSFC, ARC, JSC, etc. All enabling technologies are at Technical Readiness Level-6. Earned Value Management is being applied to all major contracts consistent with Agency guidance. Schedules are baselined and the project critical path is understood/managed. Budget with reserves established. Liens and threats system in use. Formal Configuration Management (CM) processes are in place. Project-level schedules are maintained within the CM system. Formal Risk Management processes are in place. Requirements are stable and flowed down. Project metrics are established and tracked monthly: a) Includes technical as well as cost and schedule metrics. b) Changes as well as trends are reported each month.