SLS / Orion / Beyond-LEO HSF - Constellation > Cancelled Ares I and Ares Tests
Constellation Program Lessons Learned
rdale:
I think when this originally came out only the executive summary was available... Here's the entire document.
These lessons learned are part of a suite of hardware, software, test results, designs, knowledge base, and documentation that comprises the legacy of the Constellation Program. The context, summary information, and lessons learned are presented in a factual format, as known and described at the time. While our opinions might be discernable in the context, we have avoided all but factually sustainable statements. Statements should not be viewed as being either positive or negative; their value lies in what we did and what we learned that is worthy of passing on. The lessons include both "dos" and "don ts." In many cases, one person s "do" can be viewed as another person s "don t"; therefore, we have attempted to capture both perspectives when applicable and useful. While Volume I summarizes the views of those who managed the program, this Volume II encompasses the views at the working level, describing how the program challenges manifested in day-to-day activities. Here we see themes that were perhaps hinted at, but not completely addressed, in Volume I: unintended consequences of policies that worked well at higher levels but lacked proper implementation at the working level; long-term effects of the "generation gap" in human space flight development, the need to demonstrate early successes at the expense of thorough planning, and the consequences of problems and challenges not yet addressed because other problems and challenges were more immediate or manifest. Not all lessons learned have the benefit of being operationally vetted, since the program was cancelled shortly after Preliminary Design Review. We avoid making statements about operational consequences (with the exception of testing and test flights that did occur), but we do attempt to provide insight into how operational thinking influenced design and testing. The lessons have been formatted with a description, along with supporting information, a succinct statement of the lesson learned, and recommendations for future programs and projects that may be placed in similar circumstances.
Dasun:
This is an excellent read with a number of interesting points. Does anyone know if the SLS programme office has heeded these hard one lessons?
Chris Bergin:
--- Quote from: Dasun on 10/04/2011 11:42 am ---Does anyone know if the SLS programme office has heeded these hard one lessons?
--- End quote ---
Clearly - and the above is only a very short version. Reminds me to write up the massive ones on L2.
RyanC:
I like how they planned to get around the limitations of the existing fleet of Super Guppies for moving the Altair lander around for qualifications -- via Barge, just like good old S-IC and S-II.
Jim:
--- Quote from: RyanCrierie on 10/06/2011 11:41 pm ---I like how they planned to get around the limitations of the existing fleet of Super Guppies for moving the Altair lander around for qualifications -- via Barge, just like good old S-IC and S-II.
--- End quote ---
Only feasible if the Altair contractor is need a waterway
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