Towards an Affordable National Security Space Program
Abstract
In summary, our challenge is clear cut break the trend of geometrically escalating costs in successive generations of defense equipment. Limiting the sophistication, and therefore, the capability of future systems is not a realistic option. Our task is to field increasingly complex technologies at a more affordable cost on shortened acquisition cycle times. It is clear to me that this task is well understood in the commercial sector. Market driven competition from world class producers are forcing a renaissance in traditional approaches to development of commercial products - from 777 aircraft to lawn mower engines. We are now seeing the emergence of close knit teams, working together, and employing an integrated product and process development approach that fully integrates the use of virtual prototypes and simulation into the design, manufacturing, test and support of products. It is going to take a team effort by industry and the DoD to field a superior capability, affordably and in less time than our potential adversaries. Industry needs to continuously upgrade their integrated product development capabilities using the latest information technologies. The DoD has centralized the planning function through DUSD (Space), the Space Architect, and the JSMB. We have the organization in place to allow us to plan for our needs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 05, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA339226
Entities
Organizations
- Office Of The Under Secretary Of Defense