Reference Model for the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory

[Space Pete]

Study Background and Approach

• Goal: Design an enterprise that maximizes the value to the American
  people of investments made in the International Space Station (ISS).
• Approach: 1) Identify the valuable uses of the unique ISS
                      environment(tangible and intangible)
                  2) Analyze the current capabilities of the ISS and its supply
                      chain (payload development, transportation, labs,
                      funding, etc)
                  3) Identify the missing capabilities that are preventing
                      value creating utilization
                  4) Design the optimal enterprise to deliver those capabilities

The NASA Authorization Act of 2005 designated the U.S. segment of the ISS as a national laboratory to be made available for use by U.S. public and private entities. NASA requested an independent study to formulate a reference model for an enterprise to manage these uses. NASA’s objective for this project was to obtain a model organization designed to maximize the value of the national investments in ISS. ProOrbis has proprietary methodologies that are uniquely suited to building such a model and was tasked by NASA to conduct the study using the ProOrbis® Method with an objective, independent perspective.

This report reflects the results of a 90 day study in which ProOrbis used its methods combined with independent research, NASA working sessions and, over 200 interviews with current and previous managers and users of ISS including: academic, industrial and government scientists, payload developers and integrators, research organizations, astronauts, NASA personnel, education experts and potential funding sources (both private and philanthropic). Participants were provided confidentiality for their input to this report to facilitate an open dialog.

The ProOrbis® Method is advanced management science that includes a comprehensive strategic framework and economic techniques for maximizing the tangible and intangible value of investments (see Appendix A for more information). All points in the model have been tested for practicality using proprietary ProOrbis® Applications*. We introduce method terms throughout the document, noted in bold, blue italics.

Maximizing value is a common objective for profit-making firms. Governmental organizations generally have the task of accomplishing a specific mission within a budget constraint. The value of the mission, if articulated, is rarely calculated and is not usually the functioning objective to which the organization is held accountable.

This is an original model built specifically for the intended purpose of maximizing the value of the investments in ISS, making this, from the outset, an unusual assignment. ISS is a unique physical asset operating in an environment with which most R&D organizations have little or no experience. Given the unique nature of the asset and the unusual nature of the assignment, it may not be surprising that the result of this study is an innovative design. As with all innovations, a certain amount of resistance and skepticism may be expected. However, because something has not been done before, does not mean that it cannot be done. Leaders recognize the challenges of innovation. Our intent with this report is to enable leadership by describing both the vision and the practical design of a new enterprise for a new frontier of science.

Innovation is as important in management as it is in science or technology. The objective of this study is to maximize the value (both tangible and intangible) to the American people of the investment in ISS. We have identified a myriad of complex management challenges which have been solved in this project using advanced management science. The result is an original, specially purposed enterprise designed to be implemented practically and with the highest return for the public investment required to support the initial years of operation.

*This study was commissioned and prepared for broad publication and does not include proprietary or confidential material.

www.nasa.gov/pdf/487816main_10_09_22%20ISS%20National%20Lab%20ProOrbis%20Reference%20Model.pdf