Students and JPL engineers discuss design proposals

Just as a toddler uses a set of blocks to build a structure, engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., design conceptual space missions using a set of "blocks," each representing a different segment of requirements, to make sure that all aspects of a mission mesh with the final design.

Instead of being made of wood or cardboard, these blocks are made up of such things as power requirements, software needs, weight limits, costs, launch vehicle, science instruments - the many facets of any scientific research mission, be it a Mars orbiter or a visit to the surface.

"We're now studying advanced concepts for 2007 and beyond," said Steve Matousek, deputy manager of JPL's Solar System Advanced Studies Office. "Pre-project creation of these building blocks enables us to keep track of changing technology and requirements, and perhaps reassemble the mission, before planning goes to the implementation stage."

Center of Excellence Helps Put Blocks Together

Student checks programs

To aid in the mission design process, JPL has established a Center of Excellence for Space Mission Architecture and Design. Tony Freeman, the center's leader, says that out of 10 such centers of excellence at JPL, this is the only one dedicated to engineering.

"The center is set up with computers and large screen wall displays so that work groups can come in and share information in real-time to see how a change in one block affects others. Teams like the Mars Smart Lander mission come in early in the program's life cycle to explore design options," Freeman said.

The center's computer network features multi-disciplinary software that connects each computer with all of the others. The software updates all stations concurrently with any design changes, so that team members "stay on the same page."