Optimization of System Maturity and Equivalent System Mass for Exploration Systems Development Planning

The Exploration Systems Mission Directorate of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently pursuing the development of the next generation of human spacecraft and exploration systems throughout the Constellation Program. This includes, among others, habitation technologies for supporting lunar and Mars exploration. The key to these systems is the Exploration Life Support (ELS) system that composes several technology development projects related to atmosphere revitalization, water recovery, waste management and habitation. The proper functioning of these technologies is meant to produce sufficient and balanced resources of water, air, and food to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for long-term human habitation and exploration of space

Optimization of System Maturity and Equivalent System Mass for Exploration Systems Development

Abstract In the assessment of system's developmental maturity, metrics are used for making effective and efficient decisions. This paper introduces the combination of two metrics used in systems development, i.e. Systems Readiness Level and Equivalent System Mass, in order to make a more informed decision in the developmental planning of Exploration Systems. It concludes with a demonstration of the concepts and mathematics presented in the paper

Using a System Maturity Scale to Monitor and Evaluate the Development of Systems

Proceedings Paper (for Acquisition Research Program)To address integration, the Systems Development & Maturity Laboratory (SD&ML) at Stevens Institute of Technology introduced another prescriptive metric called Integration Readiness Level (IRL). Combining TRL and IRL scales, SD&ML has formulated a System Readiness Level (SRL). SRL is an aggregate measure that characterizes the progress that has been accomplished by a system under development based on the observable readiness characteristics of the technology and integration elements, not the cost and schedule values. This paper describes the application of SRL to a constrained resource optimization model to determine an optimal development plan that identifies which technologies and integration elements should be matured to which levels such that a specific level of system readiness is achieved by a certain time. This optimal plan can be used to monitor and evaluate the actual progress of the system''it can be the basis of a systems lifecycle maturity management approach called System Earned Readiness Management (SERM). A simple example is used to illustrate SERM.Naval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research ProgramApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

A systems approach to expanding the technology readiness level within Defense Acquisition:

Acquisition research (Graduate School of Business & Public Policy)This paper proposes the use of a new Systems Readiness Level (SRL) scale for managing system development and for making effective and efficient decisions during the defense acquisition process. This scale incorporates both the current Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the Department of Defense (DoD) and the concept of an Integration Readiness Level (IRL) developed by Stevens Institute of Technology. The paper describes the foundations for the SRL and how it is formulated; it also demonstrates the SRL's application within the defense acquisition process using a sample case with notional readiness values.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Using A System Maturity Scale to Monitor and Evaluate the Development of Systems

Symposium Presentation (for Acquisition Research Program)Symposium PresentationNaval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research ProgramApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

System Maturity Indices for Decision Support in the Defense Acquisition Process

Proceedings Paper (for Acquisition Research Program)The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale is a measure of maturity of an individual technology, with a view towards operational use in a system context. A comprehensive set of concerns becomes relevant when this metric is abstracted from an individual technology to a system context, which may involve interplay among multiple technologies that are integrated through the defense acquisition process. This paper proposes the development of a system-focused approach for managing system development and making effective and efficient decisions during the defense acquisition process. For this to be accomplished, a new System Readiness Level (SRL) index will incorporate both the current TRL scale and the concept of an integration readiness level (IRL). This paper describes the foundations for the SRL and provides techniques for determining current and future readiness of a system to determine its position in the defense acquisition process. In addition, it proposes optimization models than can provide management with an optimal development plan that can meet the objectives of the development team, based on constrained resources. These, in turn, can become the foundation for the development of a monitoring and evaluation tool that will be analogous to Earned Value Management used in project management.Naval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research ProgramApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

System Capability Satisficing in Defense Acquisition via Component Importance Measures

Symposium Presentation (for Acquisition Research Program)Symposium PresentationNaval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research ProgramApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited