Rapid development and infusion: program architectures and processes supporting faster, better, cheaper technology development

As we move into the next millennium, space exploration will take on a far more aggressive approach, characterized by more invasive, more diverse, and more technically challenging missions operating in a more difficult budget environment. NASA, reflecting the environment of the highly competitive global market, must continue to deliver higher quality and higher value products. There is no turning back on the new NASA model-Faster, Better, Cheaper. But while missions appear to be moving aggressively toward adoption of the FBC model, there is little clear evidence that processes and structures governing technology development have changed to support either FBC development or the infusion of these products into accelerated mission schedules. NASA´s Cross Enterprise Technology Development Program (CETDP) has evolved over the last several years in order to address this new model. The CETDP is described in terms of how the new architecture, management structure, and processes governing the program support both accelerated development and accelerated infusion, while maintaining program aggressiveness and quality. Specific examples will focus on opportunities available to teams of university, industry, other government agencies, and/or NASA Centers as the Program continues to evolve