LSC Applied Space Systems Engineering

Book Preface

Today’s challenges in designing, developing, and implementing complex aerospace systems are staggering. The Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and the Federal Aviation Administration alone invest up to $50 billion (in FY2008 dollars) annually in space-related products and services. Globally, governments invest about $74 billion every year. And commercial spending on communications spacecraft, navigation systems, imaging systems, and even human spaceflight equals or exceeds government spending in some years. The complexities of technology, multiple organizations, geographical distribution, various political entities, assorted budget cycles, and intercultural concerns challenge even the most experienced systems engineers and program managers.

The purpose of Applied Space Systems Engineering (ASSE) is to provide inspiration, processes, approaches, tools, and information for systems engineers that are leading the way in complex aerospace-system design, development, and operation. An extensive author and editor team created this book based on a complete and rigorous set of systems engineer competencies rooted in the experiences and philosophies of seasoned space systems engineers from across the community.

This book presents the “how-to” necessary to “systems engineer” complex aerospace-related projects, along with information to help the aspiring or current systems engineer achieve a higher level of understanding and performance. It’s geared to practitioners as they work through projects, but may also serve as a primary text or reference for graduate-level courses and development programs. Many aerospace-related case studies, examples, and lessons learned are spread throughout ASSE to provide historical insights and practical applications. The aerospace-related example, FireSAT, appears frequently, to provide systems details at each technical baseline, and to highlight what’s expected from the systems engineer.