Synopsis
Introduction
The NASA Systems Engineering Handbook is designed to serve as a guide for the NASA community, offering general guidance and information on systems engineering (SE) practices. Its primary goal is to enhance awareness and consistency in SE across NASA. The handbook acts as a supporting document for NASA’s SE processes and requirements, detailed in NPR 7123.1, and other Center-specific handbooks and directives. It’s also intended to complement various SE-related training programs within NASA. The handbook addresses the integration of SE best practices in both large and small NASA programs and projects, encompassing a comprehensive range of SE functions regardless of whether they are performed by managers, engineers, contractors, or in-house teams.
Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
Systems engineering at NASA is characterized as a methodical, multidisciplinary approach encompassing the design, realization, technical management, operations, and retirement of a system. A system, in this context, includes all elements—hardware, software, equipment, facilities, personnel, processes, and procedures—that collectively meet a specific need. The handbook emphasizes the importance of the interconnection between these elements in creating the system’s overall value. SE is presented as a strategic approach for achieving stakeholder requirements and performance goals within defined constraints of cost, schedule, and other factors, throughout the system’s life cycle.
Common Technical Processes and the SE Engine
The handbook outlines three primary sets of technical processes as per NPR 7123.1: system design, product realization, and technical management. These processes, their interactions, and flows are encapsulated in the NPR systems engineering “engine”. The SE engine processes are instrumental in developing and realizing end products. The handbook elaborates on these processes, dividing them into three categories:
- System Design Processes
- Product Realization Processes
- Technical Management Processes
Each category is further detailed in respective chapters of the handbook. The first nine processes are geared towards executing a project, while processes 10 through 17 serve as crosscutting tools essential for carrying out these processes.