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Breakthrough Propulsion Physics Project: Project Management MethodsTo leap past the limitations of existing propulsion, the NASA Breakthrough Propulsion Physics (BPP) Project seeks further advancements in physics from which new propulsion methods can eventually be derived. Three visionary breakthroughs are sought: (1) propulsion that requires no propellant, (2) propulsion that circumvents existing speed limits, and (3) breakthrough methods of energy production to power such devices. Because these propulsion goals are presumably far from fruition, a special emphasis is to identify credible research that will make measurable progress toward these goals in the near-term. The management techniques to address this challenge are presented, with a special emphasis on the process used to review, prioritize, and select research tasks. This selection process includes these key features: (a) research tasks are constrained to only address the immediate unknowns, curious effects or critical issues, (b) reliability of assertions is more important than the implications of the assertions, which includes the practice where the reviewers judge credibility rather than feasibility, and (c) total scores are obtained by multiplying the criteria scores rather than by adding. Lessons learned and revisions planned are discussed.
Document ID
20050041926
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Millis, Marc G.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 2004
Subject Category
Administration And Management
Report/Patent Number
NASA/TM-2004-213406
E-14920
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 2262-949-10-01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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