Initiating At CNES A New Technology Roadmapping Process Using TRL (Technology Readiness Levels)
- Paper number
IAC-07-D3.4.-D3.5-E5.5.05
- Author
Mr. Durand-Carrier Franck, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), France
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Space international programmes appear more and more technically challenging and financially constrained. In this context, international cooperation as well as efficient technology management methods are required or at least welcome to overcome these difficulties. Two years ago, the CNES management decided to initiate a structured “technological roadmapping” process in order to : •take technological decisions consistent with strategic objectives; •increase legibility (synthesis) and manage traceability of the orientations; •guarantee the coherence of the positions taken in various bodies (in-house and external); •explore synergies when a technology can be used for several strategic objectives. This process was associated with the use of the TRL which have now been adopted by many companies and government agencies around the world and are “de facto” becoming an international language. This metric aiming at assessing technological maturity offers a systematic and independent assessment of the discipline in question. It applies not only to the specialists developing the technology, but also to those using it in development and production. Those involved in these two activities use TRL in different ways. In the first case, they standardise "technology roadmaps", determine research priorities and communicate with non specialists. In the second case they are able to take appropriate decisions during definition phases, such as using a new technology or integrating it in a new space mission, with a good knowledge of any potential risk related to this technology. To be operational, these processes and tools need to become a “corporate culture”. It needs the approval and will of the various management levels, the recognition of its usefulness and efficiency by the engineering levels and a progressive ( i.e. step by step) introduction. The aim of this paper is to present the status of this initiative at CNES, the encountered difficulties and the future work plan.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-D3.4.-D3.5-E5.5.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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