Managing risk for Cassini during Mission Operations and Data Analysis (MO&DA)

A risk management process has been tailored for Cassini that not only satisfies the requirements of NASA and JPL, but also allows the Program to proactively identify and assess risks that threaten mission objectives. Cassini risk management is a team effort that involves both management and engineering staff. The process is managed and facilitated by the Mission Assurance Manager (MAM), but requires regular interactions with Program staff and team members to instill the risk management philosophy into the day to day mission operations. While risk management is well defined for projects in the development phase, it is a relatively new concept for mission operations. The Cassini team has embraced this process and has begun using it in an effective, proactive manner, to ensure mission success. It is hoped that the Cassini risk management process will form the basis by which risk management is conducted during Mission Operations and Data Analysis (MO&DA) on future projects.