Description of Driving Event:
Lack of Systematic Plan to Counter Obsolescence of Shuttle Facilities, Test Equipment, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
Lesson(s) Learned:
There is no systematic plan to counter obsolescence and assure the availability of adequate facilities, GSE, and specialized test-and-checkout equipment throughout the expected lifetime of the Space Shuttle.
Recommendation(s):
There is no systematic plan to counter obsolescence and assure the availability of adequate facilities, GSE, and specialized test-and-checkout equipment throughout the expected lifetime of the Space Shuttle.
Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness:
NASA concurs with the ASAP recommendation. A specific focus on SSP infrastructure has been established for FY 2000, identifying issues and concerns throughout the program. The SSP initiated an effort in November 1999 to develop a plan and identify the requirements and resource levels required to address the infrastructure backlog and supportability needs for the SSP through FY 2012. This effort has incorporated all SSP elements and support functions at Office of Space Flight Centers and the Dryden Flight Research Center. The completed plan will define infrastructure project funding requirements for vital components that support or directly impact the SSP. The plan spans across multiple years and will address the SSP short-term as well as long-range needs. Supporting SSP element infrastructure long-range assessments/plans have been completed or are in the process of completion. Two examples of SSP element supporting efforts are the Ground Systems Survivability Assessment, which addresses obsolescence by providing a component level assessment of requirements to maintain or improve existing capabilities, and the External Tank Project's 15-year plan. The completion of the Infrastructure Plan is a major Space Shuttle initiative whose results will be included in the Program Operating Plan strategy. The SSP has assigned a lead at KSC to formulate the SSP infrastructures upgrades requirements.
Documents Related to Lesson:
N/A
Mission Directorate(s):
- Space Operations
- Exploration Systems
Additional Key Phrase(s):
- Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel
- Configuration Management
- Facilities
- Ground Equipment
- Logistics
- Parts Materials & Processes
- Policy & Planning
- Spacecraft
- Test Facility
Additional Info:
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