Midcourse Correction

The 1994 Clementine mission to the moon set the tone for faster, better and cheaper missions to emulate. Here are 10 key lessons from Clementine that could have helped prevent the 1999 Mars mission mishaps.

• Empower a seasoned project manager who is a top leader and hold him/her fully
  responsible and accountable for all technical, managerial and financial aspects of the
  mission during the entire program, from cradle to grave.
• Nurture a group of government and industry personnel who are successful problem-solvers and are willing to do whatever it takes to guarantee mission success.
• Select and collocate a team of experienced managers to direct the development and
  integration of the various systems and subsystems throughout the mission.
• Remain steadfast; don't significantly change the scientific, operational or technical
  requirements after the mission's design is complete.
• Use the most advanced technologies available to increase mission capabilities and
  reduce cost.
• Depend on extensive testing throughout the entire mission and minimize dependence on analysis and simulation.
• Perform major reviews at the program transition points, but be ready to conduct in-depth reviews whenever problems or discrepancies arise.
• Use integrated product teams to maintain communication with all the stakeholders.
• Ensure that only one person can make changes in key documents.
• Complete all new technology developments before locking key design requirements.