Systems Engineering
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The Systems Engineering discipline provides a broad systems perspective to complement other discipline expertise. Systems engineers look across components, concerning themselves with interface management, system interactions, and overall system integration. Systems engineers are sensitive to emergent behaviors not apparent at the component level. Systems engineering at the NESC encompasses systems analysis; engineering statistics; data mining and trending; systems design and integration; technical risk management; standards and requirements; and verification, validation and testing.
Upcoming Webcasts
TBD
Checking for webcasts...
7 Habits of Highly Effective (NASA) Systems Engineers
| Presenter | NASA |
|---|---|
| Published | September 2018 |
| Recorded | September 2018 |
| Duration | 01:22:22 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, .Lessons Learned, ~Applied Systems Engineering |
Successful NASA projects are a complex balancing act of meeting scientific and technical requirements, while managing schedule, cost, and risk. In a Virtual Project Management Challenge (VPMC), we learned that highly effective program manager share key habits—habits that anyone can develop to improve their performance. <br><br>In this follow up to that session, we turn our focus to systems engineers. Specifically, "What are the qualities of an effective systems engineer?" In addition to looking at the research, we asked our viewers. Hundreds of VPMC viewers responded, ranking the characteristics of effective systems engineers.<br><br>In this session of the VPMC, we will present the top seven characteristics of effective systems engineers as identified by our viewer poll. For each characteristic, a NASA systems engineer will illustrate how they successfully applied that characteristic to their project work. In addition to describing the characteristic in action, each presenter will provide advice on how others might develop their project management competencies. Please note: presenters for this VPMC will appear via pre-recorded interviews, so there will not be a question and answer session.<br>
An Innovative Jump Start for MBSE Tooling, NTL Results
| Presenter | Samantha Infeld |
|---|---|
| Published | November 2020 |
| Recorded | August 2020 |
| Duration | 53:40 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, .Lessons Learned, ~Model Based Systems Engineering |
Abstract:<br>NASA’s Center of excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI) uses open innovation, or “crowdsourcing”, to access the global public to find ideas, concepts, designs, or solutions that meet a previously unmet need possibly resulting in significant advances in performance. CoECI runs the NASA Tournament Lab (NTL); NTL is the public brand which conducts the challenges. <br> <br>A NTL challenge was sponsored by NASA Engineering and Safety Center Systems Engineering Technical Fellow as part of a program for NASA’s adoption of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). It was a trial to see if there would be as much participation or quality submissions with this more specialized topic and skill. The challenge sought space architecture representations and decompositions to create a library of modeled parts in a system modeling language (SysML). <br> <br>Solutions came from individuals and teams, students and professional consultants from the United States and Europe. Through this challenge, we learned a few lessons about how to engage with the public and what characteristics of a problem result in good crowdsourcing results. In this webcast, we’ll explore the proposed direct use of entries, with examples from their models, as well as discuss the benefits of running the NTL challenge.<br>
- Register (NASA Internal)
- Add to Calendar
- Download Slides
- Confirmation of Attendance
- Samantha Infeld's Biography
- Systems Engineering Lesson Catalog
- Systems Engineering Community of Practice (NASA Internal)
- Model-Based Systems Engineering Community of Practice (NASA Internal)
- NASA Tournament Lab (NTL)
Conference on Systems Engineering Research - NASA Panel
| Presenter | Jon Holladay |
|---|---|
| Published | April 2016 |
| Recorded | March 2016 |
| Duration | 43:08 |
| Tags | None |
Discipline: Systems Engineering<br><br>
- Confirmation of Attendance
- Jon Holladay's Biography
- Cynthia Grigsby's Biography (Coming Soon)
- David Everett's Biography (Coming Soon)
- Kevin Vipavetz' Biography (Coming Soon)
- Brian Muirhead's Biography
- NESC Academy (Systems Engineering Catalog)
- NESC Academy Online
- Systems Engineering Community of Practice
- Feedback
Creating a World Class Safety Culture, Part I: Lessons Learned from Launch Vehicle Failures
| Presenter | Stan Graves |
|---|---|
| Published | February 2021 |
| Recorded | January 2021 |
| Duration | 01:58:02 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, .Lessons Learned, ~Applied Systems Engineering |
Abstract:<br>Stan Graves will provide his personal retrospection on the Space Shuttle Challenger and Columbia disasters, the Elements of Good Flight Rationale as a tool to help prevent future launch vehicle failure, and systemic causes of 5 unmanned launch vehicle failures in the late 1990s.
Creating a World Class Safety Culture, Part II: Lessons Learned from Industrial Accidents
| Presenter | Stan Graves |
|---|---|
| Published | February 2021 |
| Recorded | January 2021 |
| Duration | 02:03:15 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, .Lessons Learned, ~Applied Systems Engineering |
We will explore causes of industrial accidents, and provide several proactive best practices that will help prevent accidents.
Getting Stuff Done
| Presenter | Stan Graves |
|---|---|
| Published | April 2021 |
| Recorded | April 2021 |
| Duration | 02:19:21 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, .Lessons Learned, ~Applied Systems Engineering |
Abstract:<br>Aerospace systems and product development processes continue to get ever more complex, requiring experts and specialists to get the work done. This complexity results in longer development times, higher costs, wasted effort and unhappy workers. What makes workers happy? Easy. Getting stuff done! The author will present methods on how to get more work done with fewer people, and less time. These methods include Rapid Learning Cycles, visual work boards, and Scrum principals and processes.
Goddard Open Learning Design (GOLD) Rules
| Presenter | Tim Trenkle |
|---|---|
| Published | February 2020 |
| Recorded | February 2020 |
| Duration | 01:13:47 |
| Tags | None |
How to Get Started Using MBSE on a Project: The Basics of What, How and Who
| Presenter | Trevor Grondin |
|---|---|
| Published | August 2020 |
| Recorded | June 2020 |
| Duration | 57:49 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, ~Model Based Systems Engineering |
Model-based Systems Engineering is seeing a lot of attention lately. Many projects at NASA have started using MBSE on some portion of their SE work. The long list of proposed benefits for MBSE is impressive, but can MBSE be used throughout a project life-cycle? Should MBSE be an "all-or-nothing" decision when doing project planning? Answering these questions can be intimidating for individuals who are new to MBSE, or those that have only seen successes in small areas of the SE function, but are not able to visualize how to use MBSE across a whole project. <br><br>This talk helps to define the process of starting Systems Engineering on any project, and how MBSE ties in to it. Through the lens of "modeling with a purpose", Trevor Grondin walks through how to examine the Systems Engineering role for a given project, and how to assess using MBSE to add value to the work being done. From sizing the scope of the work, assessing uses of MBSE, and identifying project constraints, to developing a modeling plan that support the Systems Engineering approach, this talk will help arm modelers and LSEs alike with the framework they need to start using MBSE on a project.<br>
In-Space Rescue
| Presenter | Dr. Grant Cates |
|---|---|
| Published | July 2023 |
| Recorded | July 2023 |
| Duration | 01:41:07 |
| Tags | #Fundamental, .Analysis / Modeling and Simulation, .Operations, .Lessons Learned, ~Space Shuttle, ~Skylab, ~Artemis Mission, ~Apollo, ~Human Space Exploration, ~Space Rescue, ~Submarine Rescue, ~International Docking System Standard |
Discipline: Systems Engineering<br><br>Abstract:<br>This presentation will provide an overview of the current in-space rescue capability gap along with analogies to maritime explorers, submarine rescue, and past plans for space rescue. Existing capabilities are summarized, space rescue scenarios are described and recommendations are provided.<br><br>About the Speaker:<br>Grant Cates is a Senior Project Leader at The Aerospace Corporation. Prior to joining Aerospace in 2014, he was a Chief Scientist at SAIC. He retired from NASA in 2006 after 25 combined years in federal service, including 7 years on active duty in the Air Force. At NASA he served in varying capacities on the Space Shuttle Program, including Space Shuttle Columbia Vehicle Manager and Flow Director. He received a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida in 2004.
Learning from Doing - Model Based Systems Engineering Pathfinder Lessons Harvest and Next Steps
| Presenter | Jon Holladay |
|---|---|
| Published | November 2016 |
| Recorded | October 2016 |
| Duration | 01:03:40 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, .Lessons Learned, ~Model Based Systems Engineering |
Webcast Air Date: 10/28/2016<br>Discipline: Systems Engineering<br><br>Are you curious about real NASA challenges and hands-on evaluation of 21st Century tools and technologies, and/or just learning more about what’s easy and what’s hard when it comes to implementing Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)?<br><br>Join us for a webcast to hear Adam West discuss the NASA OCE Cloud deployment and Karen Weiland describe accomplishments, findings and observations from NASA’s recently completed MBSE Pathfinder, Phase 1 activities.
MBSE to MIAMI to Implementation, an Overview
| Presenter | Jessica Knizhnik |
|---|---|
| Published | November 2020 |
| Recorded | October 2020 |
| Duration | 01:06:03 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, .Lessons Learned, ~Model Based Systems Engineering |
Abstract: <br>How can NASA successfully deploy Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to provide value added to its workforce? What must be done now and what should NASA consider for the future? This webcast will propose answers to these questions. The agency’s MBSE Infusion And Modernization Initiative (MIAMI), including its pathfinders, dozen active project partnerships, and initial Community of Practice, ran for five years. <br><br>During this webcast MIAMI Leadership will use its lessons learned and successes to propose a workforce centered approach for advancing the agency’s system modeling capability.<br>
Model-Centric Engineering, Part 1: Introduction to Model-Based Systems Engineering
| Presenter | Dr. Daniel Dvorak |
|---|---|
| Published | December 2013 |
| Recorded | October 2012 |
| Duration | 01:00:47 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, ~Model Based Systems Engineering |
Discipline: Systems Engineering<br><br>For examples of how NASA uses model-based systems engineering, use the "Systems Engineering Webcast Series" link.
- Slides
- Confirmation of Attendance
- Dr. Daniel Dvorak's Biography
- Systems Engineering Lesson Catalog
- NESC Academy Online
- Systems Engineering Community of Practice
- Part 2 (Model-Centric Engineering, Part 2: Introduction to System Modeling)
- Part 3 (Model-Centric Engineering, Part 3: Foundational Concepts for Building System Models)
- Systems Engineering Webcast Series
- Feedback
Model-Centric Engineering, Part 2: Introduction to System Modeling
| Presenter | Steve Jenkins |
|---|---|
| Published | March 2014 |
| Recorded | April 2013 |
| Duration | 01:04:04 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, ~Model Based Systems Engineering |
Discipline: Systems Engineering<br><br>For examples of how NASA uses model-based systems engineering, use the "Systems Engineering Webcast Series" link.
- Slides
- Confirmation of Attendance
- Steve Jenkins' Biography
- NESC Academy (Systems Engineering Catalog)
- NESC Academy Online
- Systems Engineering Community of Practice
- Part 1 (Model-Centric Engineering, Part 1: Introduction to Model-Based Systems Engineering)
- Part 3 (Model-Centric Engineering, Part 3: Foundational Concepts for Building System Models)
- Systems Engineering Webcast Series
- Feedback
Model-Centric Engineering, Part 3: Foundational Concepts for Building System Models
| Presenter | Steve Jenkins |
|---|---|
| Published | April 2015 |
| Recorded | September 2014 |
| Duration | 01:13:22 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, ~Model Based Systems Engineering |
Discipline: Systems Engineering<br><br>For examples of how NASA uses model-based systems engineering, use the "Systems Engineering Webcast Series" link.
- Slides
- Confirmation of Attendance
- Steve Jenkins' Biography
- NESC Academy Online
- Systems Engineering Community of Practice
- Part 1 (Model-Centric Engineering, Part 1: Introduction to Model-Based Systems Engineering)
- Part 2 (Model-Centric Engineering, Part 2: Introduction to System Modeling)
- Systems Engineering Webcast Series
- Feedback
Moving Cross Town or Cross the Solar System, Putting the Pieces Together - Launch Vehicle Mission Flow and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
| Presenter | Jon Holladay |
|---|---|
| Published | October 2016 |
| Recorded | September 2016 |
| Duration | 01:14:19 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, ~Model Based Systems Engineering, ~Entry Descent and Landing |
Disciplines: Guidance, Navigation & Control, Systems Engineering<br>Webcast Air Date: October 7, 2016<br><br>Are you curious about how we would assemble a complex exploration class mission architecture in space or what it takes just to get a lot pieces integrated onto a LV and flown in the first place?<br><br>Join us for a webcast to hear Neil Dennehy describe and discuss the challenges of Rendezvous and Capture and Jessica Knizhnik describe on-going work to digitally capture sounding rocket mission flows using Model Based Systems Engineering.
NASA Mishap Investigations & Resources
| Presenter | Kristie French |
|---|---|
| Published | March 2021 |
| Recorded | February 2021 |
| Duration | 01:53:36 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, .Lessons Learned, ~Applied Systems Engineering |
Abstract: <br>NASA does everything possible to reach success. But we must also prepare for failure in an effort to limit the impact of our bad days. To continue our mission, we must plan the moves ahead after loss. Kristie French, NASA Mishap Investigator will present the preparations, analysis and resources of the NASA mishap investigation process to ensure we understand and learn from our history. <br>
Past Discrete Event Simulations – A Summary of Past Lunar, Asteroid, and Mars Mission Campaign Analyses
| Presenter | Dr. Grant Cates |
|---|---|
| Published | June 2023 |
| Recorded | June 2023 |
| Duration | 01:08:09 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, .Analysis / Modeling and Simulation, .Operations, ~Discreet Event Simulation, ~Launch Campaigns, ~On-Orbit Assembly, ~Risk Analysis, ~Human Space Exploration, ~Concept of Operations (CONOPS) |
Instructions:<br>- Please register to be kept in the loop should a schedule change occur.<br>- Add this to your calendar for a convenient 15-minute reminder.<br>- Slides and confirmation of attendance will be available to download approximately 30 minutes prior to the event. Refresh this page if not yet visible.<br>- Please submit questions as they arise rather than waiting until the end.<br>- Enjoy!<br><br>Abstract: <br>This presentation will provide a very brief introduction to discrete event simulation and then provide detailed examples of how discrete event simulations were used to analyze the concept of operations for crewed lunar, asteroid and Mars exploration missions.<br><br>About the Presenter:<br>Grant Cates is a Senior Project Leader at The Aerospace Corporation. Prior to joining Aerospace in 2014, he was a Chief Scientist at SAIC. He retired from NASA in 2006 after 25 combined years in federal service, including 7 years on active duty in the Air Force. At NASA he served in varying capacities on the Space Shuttle Program, including Space Shuttle Columbia Vehicle Manager and Flow Director. He received a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida in 2004.
Recurring Causes of Human Spaceflight Mishaps during Flight Tests and Early Operations
| Presenter | Dr. Tim Barth |
|---|---|
| Published | August 2020 |
| Recorded | May 2020 |
| Duration | 01:48:51 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, .Lessons Learned, ~Applied Systems Engineering |
**Restricted to NASA CS/Contractor**<br><br>Dr. Tim Barth, NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) systems engineer, and Steve Lilley, NASA Safety Center senior safety engineer, will present the findings and recommendations from a technical study recently published by the NESC. An analysis of recurring causes underlying human spaceflight mishaps that occurred during flight tests and early operations was performed. Eight mishaps from the Apollo, Soyuz, Skylab, Space Shuttle, and Constellation Programs (i.e., the Ares-1X test flight) and early commercial suborbital operations were included in the study. Detailed event analyses were performed for the historical mishaps and aggregate data analyses conducted to identify recurring issues. The nine most frequent issues were inadequate technical controls or risk management practices, incomplete procedures, system design and development issues, inadequate inspection or secondary verification requirements, failures of organizations to learn from previous incidents, inadequate schedule controls, inadequate task analyses or design processes, flaws in the design of organizations, and issues with organizational safety cultures. <br><br>The study’s goal was to use selected flight test/early operations mishap investigations to identify recurring factor patterns and provide results to current human spaceflight programs to inform and stimulate their mishap risk management efforts. Study results can provide current human spaceflight programs with data and examples to seed discussions and questions such as: <br>• What else can be done within my area of responsibility to ensure crew safety? <br>• What are we doing now that needs to be improved? <br>• What could be stopped and replaced with a better approach?<br>• What is working in other subsystems than can be extended to my subsystem?<br>
Systems Engineering & Model Based Systems Engineering Stakeholder State of the Discipline
| Presenter | Jessica Knizhnik |
|---|---|
| Published | November 2020 |
| Recorded | June 2020 |
| Duration | 01:02:54 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, .Lessons Learned, ~Model Based Systems Engineering |
Abstract:<br><br>Join us as we discuss the results of a “comprehensive” study, conducted by the Systems Engineering TDT, in a special webinar. Find out where the SE discipline, in the aerospace industry, has opportunity for improvement and how cultural issues remain the number one challenge to MBSE implementation. We’ll also be discussing opportunities where NASA and its stakeholders can move forward together in SE innovation.<br><br>Anyone interested in SE and its future, from systems engineers, MBSE practitioners, managers, and NASA partners are invited to attend. A full detailed report of study results that goes beyond the overview’s executive conclusions is also available. Both can be found at https://www.nasa.gov/nesc/articles/se-mbse-state-of-the-discipline<br><br>Please join us in this informative discussion.
The Representations and Practices of the Discipline of Systems Engineering
| Presenter | Dr. Stephen Johnson |
|---|---|
| Published | April 2016 |
| Recorded | March 2016 |
| Duration | 18:36 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art |
Discipline: Systems Engineering<br><br>
Thinking Systemically About Complex Systems and Decision Making
| Presenter | Dr. Patrick Hester |
|---|---|
| Published | September 2014 |
| Recorded | April 2014 |
| Duration | 01:20:15 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, .Lessons Learned, ~Applied Systems Engineering |
Discipline: Systems Engineering
Using MBSE on a Working Project
| Presenter | Kerry McGuire |
|---|---|
| Published | November 2020 |
| Recorded | August 2020 |
| Duration | 01:00:47 |
| Tags | #Intermediate, #Advanced, #Fundamental, #State of the Art, .Lessons Learned, ~Model Based Systems Engineering |
Abstract: <br>Our future missions are changing the way in which we will practice medicine. To ensure these challenges are addressed the Human Research Program (HRP) is dedicated to discovering the best methods and technologies to support safe, productive human space travel. Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) element, one of the five HRP elements, focuses on advancing medical system design and risk-informed decision making for exploration beyond low Earth orbit, to promote human health and performance in space. They are conducting research on how to best design and build a medical system, a sub-system to the Crew Health and Performance (CHP) system, for exploration missions. <br><br>Their research involves the practical application of System Engineering (SE) best practices to generate products typically associated with Phase A activities as defined in NPR 7123.1B, NASA Systems Engineering Processes and Requirements. Historically, CHP systems tend to be designed and integrated into an already designed vehicle, which severely constrains the functionality of CHP system. ExMC seeks to better integrate the medical system within the CHP system into overall mission and vehicle design. <br><br>This talk will discuss the what, why and how the ExMC SE team is creating a foundation for a Level of Care IV and V medical systems using a systems engineering approach with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools.
- Register (NASA Internal)
- Add to Calendar
- Download Slides
- Confirmation of Attendance
- Kerry McGuire's Biography
- Jeffrey Cohen Biography
- Systems Engineering Lesson Catalog
- Systems Engineering Community of Practice (NASA Internal)
- Model-Based Systems Engineering Community of Practice (NASA Internal)
- Feedback
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