Systems Engineering Seminar

A Tale of 10 Centers: Observations in Systems Engineering Cultures Across NASA

Presented by:
Scott Glubke
Chief Engineer - Mission Engineering and Systems Analysis Division
GSFC Code 590
Angela Russo
Aerospace Engineer, GSFC Code 591/599

April 13, 2010, 1:00 p.m.
Building 3 Auditorium

Abstract:

A Tale of 10 Centers: Observations in Systems Engineering Cultures Across NASA

NASA's vision and mission necessitate that its workforce is ready and able to lead the world in space exploration, scientific discovery, technology development, and managerial excellence. Systems engineering has been identified by NASA Leadership as a critical core competency in enabling current and future mission success. The Systems Engineering and Leadership Development Program (SELDP) was created by the Office of Chief Engineer (OCE) to provide an Agency-wide “hands-on systems engineering experience” from a NASA perspective. SELDP began in 2008 as a pilot program with 14 participants from almost every NASA Center. SELDP requires every participant to have a 6 to 12 month developmental assignment at another NASA Center. These assignments enable participants to gain a greater understanding of NASA and to expand the application of their systems engineering knowledge and skills.

At the completion of the pilot program, the initial participants discussed their observations and insights from working at another NASA Center. This presentation is a summary of all the comments from the individuals in the pilot program. The presentation will provide an overview of the SELDP and discuss several NASA-wide systems engineering observations. These observations are common to nearly all NASA programs (large and small, flight and research, manned and unmanned) and can influence the success of every mission.

Biographies:

Scott Glubke joined NASA in 1985 and has over 20 years of experience in space propulsion. He began his career as an engineer in the propulsion group at GSFC. He initially worked with industry on several programs such as TDRSS and CGRO. Scott then lead an effort at GSFC to develop the “in-house” capability for the design, development, fabrication, integration, and testing of flight propulsion systems. He led or supported several “in-house” programs such as TRMM, MAP, and Triana. He has also worked with other international space agencies such as JAXA and Conae.

Angela Russo joined NASA in 1990, as a cooperative education student at Goddard Space Flight Center. Her work in the Special Payloads Division’s Attitude Control and Stabilization Branch solidified her foundation and passion for “hands-on” spacecraft work. Looking back on more than nineteen years experience, with work spanning Phase A to Phase F of Project Life Cycles, Angela has recognized expertise in areas such as hardware definition & acquisition; as a designer, team lead, subsystem lead, instrument manager and COTR, Integration & Testing; all project level configurations and launch & early operations (L&EO); for short and long duration missions. This diverse span of roles for multiple project phases and types (Ballooncraft, Spacecraft, Crewed Vehicles) helps feed Angela’s ever present passion for learning. Before being selected for the Systems Engineering Leadership Development Program (SELDP), Angela served as the Attitude Control System (ACS) Subsystem Lead for the Solar Dynamics Observatory. As part of her 11 ½ month SELDP assignment, Angela served as a member of the ORION Launch Abort System, SE&I Team and Launch Abort System, Special Studies Lead at Langley Research Center.