New trends in space program management

Abstract

The next generation of weather satellites at geosynchronous orbit may be smaller, less costly, and developed in less time than current space programs. Working closely with NASA in teams like their New Millennium Program (NMP), we at NOAA are trying to find new ways to design, manage and implement the next generation of GOES (Geosynchronous Operational Environmental Satellites). We describe three trends: trade on requirements early using small teams, infusion of technology, and early focus on lowering costs.