Title :
Managing the Mars Science Laboratory Thermal Vacuum Test for safety and success
Author :
Evans, Jordan P.
Author_Institution :
Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Technol., Pasadena, CA, USA
Abstract :
The Mars Science Laboratory is a NASA/JPL mission to send the next generation of rover to Mars. Originally slated for launch in 2009, development problems led to a delay in the project until the next launch opportunity in 2011. Amidst the delay process, the Launch/Cruise Solar Thermal Vacuum Test was undertaken as risk reduction for the project. With varying maturity and capabilities of the flight and ground systems, undertaking the test in a safe manner presented many challenges. This paper describes the technical and management challenges and the actions undertaken that led to the ultimate safe and successful execution of the test.
Keywords :
aerospace testing; planetary rovers; risk management; vacuum techniques; Mars Science Laboratory; NASA/JPL mission; cruise solar thermal vacuum test; launch solar thermal vacuum test; risk reduction; Costs; Humans; Laboratories; Mars; Safety; Space technology; Supply chain management; Supply chains; Testing; Thermal management;
Conference_Titel :
Aerospace Conference, 2010 IEEE
Conference_Location :
Big Sky, MT
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-3887-7
Electronic_ISBN :
1095-323X
DOI :
10.1109/AERO.2010.5446861
