Paper Session II-B - U.S. Launch Site Processing of Space Station Hardware

There are many challenges to overall planning and management for processing Space Station hardware at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Presently, as requirements are being defined for processing Space Station hardware at the Kennedy Space Center, there are many challenges trying to develop ground support equipment, facilities, integrated schedules, plans and processes in parallel with hardware design and development. The Integrated Product Teams and Analysis Integration Teams at the Kennedy Space Center have met the challenges presented by budgetary cuts, manifest changes and new or changing requirements. The Space Station Processing Facility construction is completed. The facility systems are being installed and activated. Kennedy Space Center personnel are working well with the various Launch Package/Stage teams, defining launch site requirements. Kennedy Space Center supplied support equipment is in various of stages of design, fabrication and activation. The Test, Control and Monitor System has undergone a major change in design direction. Management of this entire process brings about unique challenges. Only 20 months away from the first U.S. launched Space Station element, the Space Station Program is well into defining launch site requirements and their implementation. An examination of the organizations and processes involved reveal the complexity of requirements from the Prime Contractor, International Partners/Participant and NASA that must be integrated to provide successful hardware processing at the launch site