5. Lesson: Program Initiation
Large development programs should not be started until a full estimate of the resources needed is available, with adequate reserves indentified. The resources must include manpower and time requirements as well as funds. These resources must be fully committed and planned by all levels of decision prior to any large scale beginning of a project.
Background:
Skylab was begun prior to the completion of the Apollo Program and funds were requested from Congress. Unfortunately, until the lunar landing was accomplished, a full commitment of the resources needed to support the development could not be made. The result was an evolutionary development program in the early phases. For example, the Airlock Module, in its original configuration, was built for a June 1968 launch. The contract was let in September 1966 and the 22-month development period dictated the selection of Gemini hardware. The Airlock was built and assembled in that configuration. The final Skylab Airlock was somewhat modified from the configuration, but the basic design remained. Much effort could have been saved if the hardware had not been built until the program was ready for full-fledged development.
These lessons learned are from SKYLAB LESSONS LEARNED AS APPLICABLE TO A LARGE SPACE STATION, A dissertation submitted to the faculty of The School of Engineering and Architecture Of the Catholic University of America For the Degree Doctor of Engineering by William C. Schneider, Washington, D.C., 1976.
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