SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AEROSPACE REPORTS

A Biweekly Publication of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
VOLUME 44, ISSUE 14 - JULY 18, 2006

12 ASTRONAUTICS (GENERAL)
Includes general research topics related to space flight and manned and unmanned space vehicles, platforms or objects launched into, or assembled in, outer space; and related components and equipment.

Also includes manufacturing and maintenance of such vehicles or platforms.

For specific topics in astronautics see categories 13 through 20. For extraterrestrial exploration see 91 Lunar and Planetary Science and Exploration.

20060019784 Aerospace Corp., El Segundo, CA USA

Reducing Software Acquisition Risk: Best Practices for the Early Acquisition Phases

Adams, R J; Eslinger, S; Owens, K L; Rich, M A; Jan 31, 2006; 45 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Contract(s)/Grant(s): FA8802-04-C-0001 Report No.(s): AD-A446815; TR-2006(8550)-1; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy

With the focus on new acquisition practices, the opportunity exists for identifying and implementing a comprehensive set of software acquisition best practices designed to reduce risk in the acquisition of software-intensive system. In 2004, the authors published a technical report that described such a comprehensive set of software acquisition best practices for a system development contract. The acquisition of large, complex software-intensive systems has historically been fraught with major problems, including performance deficiencies, extensive software defects, and cost and schedule overruns. Furthermore, these software development problems usually do not manifest themselves until late in the development life cycle.

This has led to the question of what can be done early in the acquisition life cycle to reduce the risk of these software problems occurring later in the program. This is an especially important question for the USAAir Force (USAF) Space and Missile Systems Center(SMC), since there have recently been several large, complex, software-intensive SMC programs in the early acquisition phases. To answer this question, the authors have identified an additional set of software acquisition best practices for the early acquisition life cycle phases that extend those published in 2004. This paper addresses software acquisition best practices for the early National Security Space (NSS) acquisition life cycle phases (Pre-KDP A and Phase A). These best practices are targeted toward reducing downstream software development risk, and thereby improving mission success for softwareintensive space systems. DTIC

Aerospace Systems; Computer Programs; Defense Program; Government Procurement; Life (Durability); Procedures; Risk

20060020082 Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, DC USA

Federal Aviation Administration Fiscal Year 2006 Business Plan: Aviation Safety

January 2006; 32 pp.; In English Report No.(s): PB2006-112120; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy

There is no responsibility more important in the FAA or in AVS than aviation safety. AVS oversees the safety of the world's largest, most complex aviation system -- an aviation system that affects millions and millions of people from those that fly for business and pleasure, to those that ship, receive, sell, and buy goods transported by air, to those that work in the industry who depend on travel and tourism for their livelihood. AVS does this through programs to promote continued operational safety (surveillance, oversight, education, inspections), establish safety rules and regulations (rulemaking), and certify the aviation competency people (pilots) and organizations (individual airlines) and the airworthiness of aircraft (Boeing aircraft) and equipment. In recognition of AVS critical role in aviation safety, AVS is the lead organization for this goal area. NTIS

Aircraft Safety; Commerce; Flight Safety; Safety

20060020086 Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, DC USA

Federal Aviation Administration Fiscal Year 2006 Business Plan: Commercial Space Transportation

January 2006; 14 pp.; In English Report No.(s): PB2006-112118; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy

The mission of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST) is to ensure public safety for licensed U.S. launch activities, and to support the continued growth and expansion of theU.S. space transportation industry. Safety is AST's top priority. To meet its safety responsibilities, AST undertakes a variety of core business functions to ensure that uninvolved persons are protected from the dangers and potential hazards associated with commercial space launch operations. These functions include making license determinations, conducting inspections of licensed operations, and developing rulemaking products related to commercial launch activities. Also, AST is driven to evolve its processes and approaches toward ensuring public safety as the commercial space transportation industry evolves. With a focus on the rapid evolution and complexity of new launch vehicles, AST will lead agency efforts to establish new processes to evaluate and approve safety critical launch vehicle components and systems. Further, AST will continue to improve it processes and leverage partnerships with other government organizations to enhance the safety of launches occurring from both federal and non-federal launch sites. NTIS

Aerospace Industry; Commerce; Commercial Spacecraft; Industries; Space Commercialization; Space Transportation; Spacecraft Launching

Source: NASA