To 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.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Breakthrough Propulsion Physics Project: Project Management Methods


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2004


    Size :

    45 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    NASA breakthrough propulsion physics program

    Millis, M. G. / International Academy of Astronautics | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1999


    Breakthrough Propulsion Physics Research Program

    Millis, M. G. / University of New Mexico; School of Engineering; Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997



    NASA breakthrough propulsion physics program

    Millis, M.G. | Online Contents | 1999