Description of Driving Event:
Parts Obsolescence May be Caused by Several Issues Including Vendors Going Out of Business, Discontinuance of a Part, and Environmental Law Changes
Lesson(s) Learned:
Obsolescence of components and systems on the Space Shuttle is an increasing problem threatening critical spares availability.
Recommendation(s):
Alternative components must be developed and certified, and, where necessary, systems must be redesigned to use available or adaptable units.
Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness:
NASA continues to identify and coordinate obsolescence issues concerning hardware, special test equipment, vendor capability, and environmental restrictions with the appropriate design center. Each issue is evaluated for logistics impacts, and this information is communicated to or within the design center so that appropriate action can be taken to initiate any required redesigns, modifications, or enhancements. A Kennedy Space Center (KSC) logistics priority list is maintained to communicate logistics' top concerns to design center management. While obsolescence will continue, a team approach to problem identification, prioritization, and resolution appears to be providing effective problem resolution. Additionally, the Shuttle upgrade program is designed to assure that potential problem areas are addressed so as to preclude disruption in meeting manifest requirements.
Documents Related to Lesson:
N/A
Mission Directorate(s):
- Space Operations
- Exploration Systems
Additional Key Phrase(s):
- Administration/Organization
- Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel
- Environment
- Ground Operations
- Hazardous/Toxic Waste/Materials
- Industrial Operations
- Logistics
- Parts Materials & Processes
Additional Info:
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