Pivotal Transitions - Historical and Today

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to enable readers to better "design" successful transitions that move Science and Technology or Research and Development (S&T/R&D) technologies and systems into operational capabilities for users. Transitions from S&T/R&D into acquisition and operations are challenging and critical to providing capabilities to end users. Two historical examples, the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC), are explored. Two current examples are also explored, including one from Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) which is in the early stages of transition. While transitions are necessary, transition periods are inherently challenging and dynamically changing situations. These situations must be carefully managed and led in order to succeed. Characteristics, approaches, and incentives that foster effective transitions are discussed. Understanding the transition process and the communities involved allows one to maximize the chance of successfully moving an S&T/R&D development into an operational capability supporting end users.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA543224

Entities

People

  • Michael Hurley

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Command And Control
  • Commerce
  • Contracts
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Governments
  • Microsatellites
  • Monitoring
  • Navigation
  • Payload
  • Satellite Buses
  • Small Satellites
  • Space Objects
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites