Integrating International Engineering Organizations for Successful ISS Operations

Paper number

IAC-06-B4.2.05

Author

Ms. Elizabeth Blome, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Johnson Space Center, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Matthew Duggan, The Boeing Company, United States

Coauthor

Mrs. Laryssa Patten, Booz Allen Hamilton, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Ms. Hiltrud Pieterek, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Year

2006

Abstract

The International Space Station (ISS) is a multinational orbiting space laboratory that is built with hardware and software provided from 16 nations. Flight control is centralized into four major centers in USA, Russia, Germany and Japan but the design and sustaining engineering expertise is spread worldwide. As the number of partners with orbiting facilities grows, the challenge NASA is facing as the ISS integrator is how to ensure engineering expertise is available and engineering data is accessible in a timely fashion to ensure ongoing operations and mission success.  Integrating international engineering teams requires definition and agreement on common processes and roles and responsibilities. But the success of integrated engineering will only be realized after joint training and the emergence of a unique engineering team culture.

ISS engineers face daunting logistical and political challenges regarding data sharing requirements.   In order to assure systematic information sharing and anomaly resolution of integrated anomalies, procedures have been created and agreed upon by the international partners.  Data sharing is required to maintain the integrity of the design and ensure ISS operability.  

Building on 8 years of successful ISS operations, this paper describes several examples of successful multilateral anomaly resolution.  These successes were used to form the framework of the Partner to Partner engineering procedures, and this paper describes those currently documented multilateral engineering processes. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges experienced to date, and the forward work expected in establishing a successful working relationship with Partners who already have their major components onboard and those expected in the near future. 

Abstract document

IAC-06-B4.2.05.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-B4.2.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.