Case Studies

These case studies illustrate application of the START methodology at various stages in its development. It is worth noting that, while all of these case studies were for NASA, the techniques employed are applicable to a wide assortment of mission types both inside and outside of that agency.

The studies are presented in four categories: "NASA agency-level studies" are those which cross the boundaries of NASA's individual directorates -- typically the Exploration Mission Systems and Science Mission directorates. Studies under the heading of "Science Mission Directorate" include individual science-investigation missions to Mars and other worlds, space telescopes, and the prospect of selecting technological capabilities with a view toward their serving multiple science missions. All of these are typically robotic missions. Under "Exploration Systems Mission Directorate," we have studies that involve aspects of potential future missions with human crews as well as robots. And finally, we present a study of air-travel issues under the banner of "Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate."

For each of these case studies, it is important to note that the outcome was not intended to be a definitive conclusion, but rather a basis for further investigation and discussion. Ultimately, the process provides solid support for a decision-maker's judgment.