Propulsion Systems for Space Operations: A Forward Look

Spacecraft propulsion is the area needing expansion of capabilities over the next several years. The capability for lofting large payloads (up to one-quarter million pounds) into space is virtually in hand. The ability to transport payloads and men in the space arena, to conduct rendezvous maneuvers, and to orbit and land on the planets, as well as the moon, now needs implementation in better and more efficient machinery. Transporting men to the planets is feasible with systems already demonstrated. Their development is a matter of decision, investment, and time.     

Cost reduction potential in space program management

The barrier to low cost space programs has been identified, and we are it. Principal among the causes for escalation of space program costs is the ‘system’ which has evolved to control programs. The ‘system’ includes not only the procedures and documents that constitute the flow of paper, the reviews and approvals necessary to initiate actions, and the entire methodology of the decision-making and approval processes but, necessarily, the people, including political as well as industrial counterparts, who populate these environments. This complex ‘system’ has proliferated so that it now promotes time-taking routines, obstructs prompt action, inhibits decisions, extends schedules and escalates costs. Designed to aid and abet management by supplying information necessary to maintain cognizance of program status the ‘system’ has taken over the role of management. Problems and their solutions must now be addressed to the ‘system’ as aided and abetted by management.Most of the evident causes of program cost problems have long since been recognized. Attacking them will produce second-order effects until management is willing to face up to the internal cost driver.