Space Launch Operations and the Lean Aerospace Initiative

Abstract

This study analyzes current expendable launch procedures and identifies truly lean, value-added steps in launch operation enterprises as they relate to the Lean Aerospace Initiative (LAI). LAI and the concepts of lean thinning are discussed and followed by a review of current and future launch system requirements and their opportunities for lean practices. The study also discusses in detail current Delta II expendable launch processing operations and presents results in a case study that show how lean principles have helped the Delta II launch team drastically reduce on-pad time, restructure its testing philosophy, and streamline its operations flow. Many of these practices can be applied to re-engineering other expendable launch operations and provide a strong systems baseline for the next generation of launch vehicles such as the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 02, 1999
Accession Number
ADA361554

Entities

People

  • Troy L. Endicott

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Astronautics
  • Case Studies
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Launch Vehicles
  • Organizational Structure
  • Rocket Engines
  • Rockets
  • Satellite Constellations
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • Systems Engineering
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Facilities

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Economics
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.

Technology Areas

  • Space