Application of a Weapon System Sustainment Model to the Space Industry

摘要

The Space Industry is moving steadily to longer-lived systems and more and more reusable components which triggers a greater need for an intentional approach to complex system sustainment. Thus, it is relevant to review how long-used weapon system sustainment practices can be applied to this Industry. The management model described in this paper, and first presented at SciTech 2016, is based on decades of sustaining the extremely complex Intercontinental Ballistic Missile weapon system. The model goes beyond logistics, supply, repair, and other piecemeal components of sustainment to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach. The model ensures success of the mission, deals with constraints of funding, and even accounts for unexpected requirements not associated with the mission. The model provides a method to generate the information needed to create short and long term plans. This information is the basis to tailor packages for industry partners, existing clients, potential customers, go-fund-me campaigns, tax incentive programs, and any other funds sources. The model also provides the best approach for sustainment risk management and the complex system observations that feed risk identification. Repair facilities will start to increase exponentially and must also be managed. The best ways to execute this model using disciplined processes, motivated people, and effective tech are also discussed.