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Lessons Learned by Topic

Acceptance Data Package (ADP)

Establishing formal handling, packaging, and shipping processes

Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS)

Cleanliness of Diaphragm Propellant Tanks
Space vs. Ground Ambient, Which Environment is More Severe?
Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Digital Signal Processor Experienced Destructive Events as a Result of Ionizing Radiation Testing
EEE Parts Selection for Class D Missions
Lessons Learned from Evaluation of Loctite® as a Secondary Locking Feature for ISS Fasteners
Guidance for NASA Selection & Application of DC-DC Converters

Configuration Management

Ice Detection Camera (IDC) Close Call
Component Barcoding and Tracking Systems
Importance of Tracking and Verification of Space Flight Electrical Connectors During Ground Processing at Kennedy Space Center
Place Flight Scripts Under Configuration Management Prior to ORT
Inheritance Review of the Mars Phoenix Flight System
Network/Radio Frequency (RF) Compatibility Testing

Connectors

Mate/Demate, Verify, and Document Connectors One-at-a-Time

Continuous Improvement

Poor Coordination of Routine Maintenance Spoiled an Important Test
MSL Mobility Assembly Lift Mishap
Resources Management: Resource Loading
Environment Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Ground Coolant System (GCS)

Corrective Action and Root Cause Analysis

Electrical Short Circuits due to Tin Whiskers
Mission Collaborations for International Projects
E-2C Wing Scrape Close Call

Counterfeit Parts

Counteracting the Threat of Counterfeit Components

Documentation Management

Sharing Access to the Requirements Management Database for the Project
Closed-Loop Infusion of Lessons Learned into Center Procedures & Training

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Space Charging of Composite Structures
Increasing ESD Susceptibility of Integrated Circuits
Establishing formal handling, packaging, and shipping processes
Shipping Container Susceptibility to ESD Charging
One Environmental Effect Can Greatly Complicate Solution of Another

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

The Mission Operational Design Should Allow for "Down Days"
Deep Impact Deadly Embrace: Beware of Register Overflow Conditions
Increasing ESD Susceptibility of Integrated Circuits
Poor Coordination of Routine Maintenance Spoiled an Important Test
Loss of Instruments Caused by Balloon-Gondola Incident
Deep Impact Reiterates the Need for Peer Review and Contractor Oversight (2005)

Fasteners

Lessons Learned from Evaluation of Loctite® as a Secondary Locking Feature for ISS Fasteners

Fiber Optics

ISS Lessons Learned: Implementing of Fiber Optic Cabling in Spacecraft

Foreign Object Debris (FOD)

Spaceborne Imaging Camera Contamination
Enforce Contamination Control Processes

Inspection Control - Focus on Stamp Warranty

Elevator 5-Year Test Procedure Revisions
Procedure Devolvement over Time in a Seriesed Spacecraft Program
The Mission Operational Design Should Allow for "Down Days"
Hypergol Servicing Automation
Spacecraft Single Phase AC Electrical Power
Ground Pneumatics Remote-Controlled Regulators
MSL Mobility Assembly Lift Mishap
Poor Coordination of Routine Maintenance Spoiled an Important Test
Ground Lightning Monitoring System (GLMS)
Braycote Grease retains tribological properties for 17 years in controlled storage
Using Heritage Equipment From Uncontrolled Sources - Incompatible Boss Seal
Planning for Failure in High Risk Systems
Development of the Current Mass Spectrometer Requirements and Techniques
Place Flight Scripts Under Configuration Management Prior to ORT
Government Inspection of Critical GSE
Space vs. Ground Ambient, Which Environment is More Severe?
Component Leak Check Methods
Design Circuits to Facilitate Pre-I&T Inspection
Recurring Flight Project Problems Evince "Common Threads"
Critical System Maturity Requirements, Critical System Analytic Model, and Critical System Certification Process
Testbed Limitations May Impact End-to-End Flight System Testing
Counteracting the Threat of Counterfeit Components
NOAA-13 Satellite Solar Array Bus Short to Ground
Article damage during testing/Test procedure deviation
Ensure Test Monitoring Software Imposes Limits to Prevent Overtest (2003)
High Voltage Power Supply Circuit Failure due to Hollow Core Resistor
Launch Processing System - Unprocessed Data Recording
Lithium-Ion Battery Fire
Guidance for NASA Selection & Application of DC-DC Converters
MRO Articulation Keep-Out Zone Anomaly

Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE)

Lessons Learned from a Structural Assessment of the International Space Station European-Manufactured Modules
Acoustic Noise Requirement

Parts Reuse

Using Heritage Equipment From Uncontrolled Sources - Incompatible Boss Seal
Recycling of Program Property

Quality Planning

Sharing Access to the Requirements Management Database for the Project
The Mission Operational Design Should Allow for "Down Days"
Resources Management: Cost Estimates
Poor Coordination of Routine Maintenance Spoiled an Important Test
Capture of Apollo Lunar Module Reliability Lessons Learned: Program/Engineering Management
Planning for Failure in High Risk Systems
Resources Management: Resource Loading
Recognition and Communication of Hazards During Operational Testing
Design and Analysis of Electronic Circuits for Worst Case Environments and Part Variations
Design for Operations - Operational Costs Drivers
Ensure Test Monitoring Software Imposes Limits to Prevent Overtest (2003)

Records Management

Sharing Access to the Requirements Management Database for the Project
Website as a Communications Tool
Space vs. Ground Ambient, Which Environment is More Severe?
Mate/Demate, Verify, and Document Connectors One-at-a-Time
Record Management and Quality Assurance Lesson Learn

Risk Management for Quality Assurance

Ares Projects Office Knowledge Management Report
Space Shuttle Fuel Cell System Missing Critical Instrumentation Forces Turnaround Testing Complexities
MSL Sol-200 Anomaly
Selection and use of Software Metrics for Software Development Projects
Capture of Apollo Lunar Module Reliability Lessons Learned: Reliability Engineering
MRO Waveguide Transfer Switch Anomaly
Government Inspection of Critical GSE
If You Don't Understand an Environment, Provide 'Well-Margined' Capabilities to Encompass the Worst Case
Exercise Strict Controls in the Packaging and Oversight of Critical Hardware Shipped by Third-Party Courier Services
Importance of Detailed Post-Flight Reconstruction and Performance Assessment During the Life of a Flight Program
Counteracting the Threat of Counterfeit Components
Time and Material Task Order Contracts
Lack of Project-level Reserves
Lithium-Ion Battery Fire
Coating Management System

Robust Design

Laser Beam Expander Optics (BEO) Structural Failure

Shelf-Life Control

Engine Preservation for Long Term Storage

Software Assurance

Deep Impact Deadly Embrace: Beware of Register Overflow Conditions
Place Flight Scripts Under Configuration Management Prior to ORT
Selection and use of Software Metrics for Software Development Projects
Testbed Limitations May Impact End-to-End Flight System Testing
MRO Articulation Keep-Out Zone Anomaly

Soldering

Electrical Short Circuits due to Tin Whiskers
Observed Heat
Low Strength Solder Joints

Standards

Recognition and Communication of Hazards During Operational Testing
Space vs. Ground Ambient, Which Environment is More Severe?
Application Notes Facilitate the Use of Non-NASA Standards
Lessons Learned from Evaluation of Loctite® as a Secondary Locking Feature for ISS Fasteners
MRO Articulation Keep-Out Zone Anomaly

Supplier Audit

Counteracting the Threat of Counterfeit Components
Commercial Electronic Parts Supplier Evaluation

Systems Engineering

Developing a Human Factors Operability Timeline Analysis
MRO Articulation Keep-Out Zone Anomaly
Hypergol Servicing Automation
Deep Impact Deadly Embrace: Beware of Register Overflow Conditions
Ares Projects Office Knowledge Management Report
Website as a Communications Tool
Excessive Program Level Requirements
Project Management: Misaligned Project Support Organizations
Resources Management: Cost Estimates
Capture of Apollo Lunar Module Reliability Lessons Learned: Program/Engineering Management
Need to Include Systems Engineering Early in Project Formulation
Capture of Apollo Lunar Module Reliability Lessons Learned: Reliability Engineering
Programs Selecting Data Management Tools Without Establishing A Technical Data Architecture
Umbilical Plates Project Lessons Learned
MRO Waveguide Transfer Switch Anomaly
Component Leak Check Methods
Design for Operations - Operational Costs Drivers
Funding opportunities that require quick response times

Workmanship

Article damage during testing