4 books on Space Mission Management [PDF]

August 14, 2024

Books on space mission management are invaluable resources for startups entering the complex and multifaceted field of orchestrating space missions. These publications cover a wide range of topics, including mission planning, project management methodologies, risk assessment, and team coordination specific to space endeavors. For Space Mission Management startups, these books provide essential insights into the organizational, technical, and logistical aspects of planning and executing successful space missions. They often explore case studies, historical perspectives, and lessons learned from both triumphs and challenges in space exploration projects.

1. Space Operations: Beyond Boundaries to Human Endeavours
2022 by Craig Cruzen, Michael Schmidhuber, Young H. Lee



This book compiles a carefully selected set of contributions presented at SpaceOps 2021, the 16th International Conference on Space Operations, which took place virtually in May 2021. The chosen chapters were curated based on their relevance to the contemporary space operations community. These contributions offer insights across three key subject areas: Mission Management, covering managerial tasks related to the design, preparation, and operation of specific missions; Spacecraft Operations, encompassing the planning and execution of all activities involved in operating a space vehicle, whether crewed or uncrewed, across diverse conditions; and Ground Operations, addressing the preparation, qualification, and execution of mission-specific ground segments and essential infrastructure, including antennas, control centers, and communication interfaces. In line with the SpaceOps Committee's mission, this book promotes technical exchange on all facets of space mission operations and ground data systems while fostering and sustaining an international community of space operations experts.
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2. Space Operations: Inspiring Humankind's Future
2019 by Helene Pasquier, Craig A. Cruzen, Michael Schmidhuber, Young H. Lee



This book compiles a curated selection of 30 meticulously reviewed and enhanced manuscripts, originally presented at the 15th SpaceOps Conference in May 2018 in Marseille, France. The chosen papers stand out for their exceptional quality and relevance to the space operations community. The collection covers three core subject areas: Mission Management, addressing the managerial tasks involved in designing, preparing, and executing a specific mission; Spacecraft Operations, encompassing the planning and execution of all activities related to operating a space vehicle, whether crewed or uncrewed, in various conditions; and Ground Operations, which involves the preparation, qualification, and execution of mission-specific ground segments and essential infrastructure, including antennas, control centers, and communication interfaces. By showcasing these contributions, the book aligns with the SpaceOps Committee's mission to facilitate technical exchange across all facets of space mission operations and ground data systems, fostering an international community of space operations experts.
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3. Failure Is Not an Option: Mission Control From Mercury to Apollo 13 and Beyond
2009 by Gene Kranz



This bestselling memoir, "Failure Is Not an Option: Mission Control From Mercury to Apollo 13 and Beyond," penned by veteran NASA flight director Gene Kranz, provides gripping narratives spanning the early Mercury program through Apollo 11's moon landing and the critical Apollo 13 mission, both of which Kranz directed. A pivotal figure in America's manned space exploration for three decades, Kranz recounts his firsthand experiences in NASA's Mission Control during the tumultuous early years, from rocket failures to the competitive space race with the Soviet Union. From launching astronauts like Alan Shepard and John Glenn to steering the Gemini program, Kranz played a central role in realizing President Kennedy's vision to land a man on the Moon. Through revealing behind-the-scenes anecdotes, he highlights the leadership, discipline, trust, and teamwork crucial to overcoming challenges and turning what seemed like flawless lunar missions into a series of heart-stopping close calls. This captivating firsthand account not only delves into historic achievements but also offers insightful reflections on the current state of the space program, accompanied by Kranz's bold suggestions for future endeavors in space exploration.
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4. A History of the Kennedy Space Center
2007 by Kenneth Lipartito, Orville R Butler



This comprehensive history of the Kennedy Space Center, NASA's renowned launch facility in Cape Canaveral, Florida, unveils the often-overlooked but crucial work that transpires prior to the ignition of the rocket. Despite the iconic presence of the Vehicle Assembly Building and launch pads drawing millions of visitors annually, few are privy to the intricate processes unfolding behind the scenes. Drawing on extensive access to sources such as the KSC archives, NASA centers, National Archives, and interviews, Lipartito and Butler delve into the evolution of spacecraft preparation, testing, and launch technologies over the past 45 years. Covering milestones like the Mercury and Gemini missions, Apollo lunar program, Space Shuttle, scientific and robotic missions, and the International Space Station, the narrative also addresses the tragic incidents of Challenger and Columbia. The authors illuminate the distinctive culture of KSC, emphasizing that the groundwork laid by its personnel is essential for NASA's major projects, including the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. Challenging the notion that successful innovation stems solely from design, Lipartito and Butler argue that real-world experience, particularly the "operational knowledge" honed through ground operations, plays a pivotal role in differentiating between failed projects and those that remain within budget, yielding consistent results.
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