Description of Driving Event:
Safety Impact of Downsizing
Lesson(s) Learned:
No objective measure has yet been developed, or is likely possible, that can shed significant light on the impact of downsizing on the safety of Space Shuttle operations.
Recommendation(s):
In the absence of a valid predictive safety metric, NASA should ensure that all functions affected by downsizing and necessary for safe operations are assigned to people who have the knowledge, skills, and time to carry them out.
Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness:
NASA concurs; all of the contractors supporting the Space Shuttle program remain committed to assuring that safety is the highest priority in every facet of the program. The program recognizes the concerns that downsizing may raise, and it will assure that knowledgeable and skilled individuals are assigned to all critical Shuttle functions, including those being downsized. The plans for the transition of processes and tasks under the SFOC specifically address the safety implications of the transition. As an added assurance, the Shuttle program has required that the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) organizations review and concur on the transition plans. Other program downsizing efforts have a similar emphasis on safety embedded in them, and both program management and the SMA management are committed to assure that this focus is not compromised.
Documents Related to Lesson:
N/A
Mission Directorate(s):
- Space Operations
- Exploration Systems
Additional Key Phrase(s):
- Administration/Organization
- Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel
- Ground Operations
- Human Resources & Education
Additional Info:
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