Hubble Space Telescope

Overview

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) case study was developed through a joint effort of the United States Air Force, Air Force Institute of Technology, and Air Force Center for Systems Engineering and is accessible through the following url: http://www.afit.edu/cse/cases.cfm?case=18&a=detail The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is 2.4 meter reflecting telescope deployed in low earth orbit that has the ability to observe objects in the optical, ultraviolet and near infrared wavelength. According to the HST case study, the telescope was planned for retirement in 2010, but additional work on the orbiting unit in 2009 (after the case study was written and released) has extended the life until approximately 2014. There is some question as to how the HST will be retired and the final plans are still to be determined.

Application domains: Aerospace, Space, Communications, Exploration, Innovative Technology, System of Systems

Application area: Product

Domain Background

This section will include the background on the space industry; the progression of telescope development and capability; and other applicable areas.

Analysis of Case Study

– Provides information about the completeness, consistency, value, development process, and rigor

The Center for Systems Engineering (CSE), established in 2002 by AFIT, was tasked to develop case studies focusing on the application of systems engineering principles within various aerospace programs. (Mattice, 2005) The Hubble Space telescope is one of four initial case studies selected for development in support of systems engineering instruction. Each of the case studies employs the Friedman-Sage framework that is comprised of the following nine concept domains:

• Requirements Definition and Management
• Systems Architecting and Conceptual Design
• System and Subsystem Detailed Design and Implementation
• Systems and Interface Integration
• Validation and Verification
• Deployment and Post Deployment
• Life Cycle Support
• Risk Assessment and Management
• System and Program Management

In the framework these nine concept domains are use for tabulating three areas of responsibility on the project:

1. SE Contractor Responsibility
2. Shared Responsibility
3. Government Responsibility

The Friedman-Sage framework is used in the HST case study in several areas including in the discussion of Risk and Systems Engineering Management and the tabulation of the Learning Principles (see next section) and specifically in relation to Learning Principle 5, and in the Summary.

Case Study Description – This is the location for the main content of the description. As the content is described, references to the SEBoK and sections of the case study are included.

Summary – Any sort of ‘wrap up’ comments and insights or perhaps lessons learned

References – Will need these to map appropriate references for this article in the wiki, includes a link to the actual case study (if applicable)

Article Discussion

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