NASA-LLIS-1312

Abstract

<strong>Description of Driving Event:</strong> <br>The Project was responsible for developing and operating a flight vehicle that would demonstrate several new technologies and capabilities. While the new technologies and capabilities being incorporated into the vehicle had been tested and analyzed independently and separately using wind tunnel and computational methods, it would be the first time they would be integrated together. Therefore, the Project had a significant level of risk characteristic of flight demonstration/test activities. However, several factors that can best be described as a "risk and safety culture" ensured the Project addressed risks appropriately. These factors were: <br>1. The Project team had lots of experience with high-risk flight test programs. <br>2. The Project decided to build two fully functional test vehicles as opposed to one with built in redundancy (note: those items deemed critical to safe operation were redundant) but treated each vehicle like it was a unique irreplaceable asset. The Project took pride in delivering two fully functional vehicles and sought risk mitigation solutions independent of having two vehicles prior to solutions dependant on a two asset Project. Thus, in terms of developing risk mitigation strategies, the solution for loosing some or all capability in the first vehicle, namely "having a backup or second vehicle," was considered last. <br>3. To further reduce risk, as well as cost and schedule, the Project elected to control the vehicles remotely. However, the team took great pride in demonstrating the new flight new technologies and capabilities safely such that their accomplishments could be transferred into new flight vehicle designs. Thus, the Project treated each flight vehicle as a member of the team and was committed to their safety as if they were manned. <br>4. All Project members viewed risk management as their own responsibility and took measures to identify and minimize risk.