A mission’s scope, budget, and schedule are all very intertwined, and all are an important part of setting the foundation and feasibility for a project. This makes for a rather complex recipe within space mission development. However, it also means that there is a great deal of knowledge that can be gained from this topic.

Episode 23 features a conversation with Dr. Tobin Anthony (CEO) and Chris Costello (President) of Space Systems Integration, LLC. In it, we explore aspects of mission development to better understand how space systems can be brought together feasibly, and what insights Tobin and Chris have gained in this process throughout their careers.

SSI provides consulting, technical engineering, and management services within the intelligence and defense communities. For more information on their services, visit their website: https://spacint.com/

Timestamps

0:00 - Episode Intro

3:30 - Tobin / Chris’s background in aerospace

9:46 - An overview of SSI & how it started

15:26 - Stories of favorite missions / mission types

19:00 - Evaluating mission feasibility, proposal writing

24:38 - Handling cost & schedule challenges (cost & schedule is a part of quality)

30:06 - Weighing where to cut costs when necessary (within any phase of a mission)

36:34 - Thoughts on Space 2.0

39:38 - Assembling a team to fit the mission & working with people

47:36 - Lessons in managing scope & requirements creep

51:36 - Favorite stories from SSI (proposing a Mars spacecraft, working with great people, & launch facilities)

1:01:00 - Episode Outro