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New Series in NASA History
Faster, Better, Cheaper: Low-Cost Innovation in the U.S. Space Program
In Faster, Better, Low-Cost Innovation in the U.S. Space Program , Howard E. McCurdy examines NASA's recent efforts to save money while improving mission frequency and performance. McCurdy details the sixteen missions undertaken during the 1990s—including an orbit of the moon, deployment of three space telescopes, four Earth-orbiting satellites, two rendezvous with comets and asteroids, and a test of an ion propulsion engine—which cost less than the sum traditionally spent on a single, conventionally planned planetary mission. He shows how these missions employed smaller spacecraft and cheaper technology to undertake less complex and more specific tasks in outer space. While the technological innovation and space exploration approach that McCurdy describes is still controversial, the historical perspective on its disappointments and triumphs points to ways of developing "faster, better, and cheaper" as a management manifesto.
- GenresSpace
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2001
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 31, 2021
I’m writing this from the perspective of an agile coach, rather than from the perspective of the space domain.
It is SO refreshing to read a book about what we now may label “agile” that has no agile jargon associated with it. It’s a fascinating read of the possibilities and limitations of a philosophy that insists we can choose all three of faster, better and cheaper.
Those new to the agile world (do these people still exist) will encounter the principles, limitations and experiences of an agile approach without the buzzwords and jargon they are likely to encounter on their journey through what has become a commoditised field.
Hardened and perhaps disillusioned practitioners will find a refreshing reaffirming of these same principles and limitations free from the frustration of petty arguments and unnecessary jargon.
I believe this should become a go to book for agile coaches.
It is SO refreshing to read a book about what we now may label “agile” that has no agile jargon associated with it. It’s a fascinating read of the possibilities and limitations of a philosophy that insists we can choose all three of faster, better and cheaper.
Those new to the agile world (do these people still exist) will encounter the principles, limitations and experiences of an agile approach without the buzzwords and jargon they are likely to encounter on their journey through what has become a commoditised field.
Hardened and perhaps disillusioned practitioners will find a refreshing reaffirming of these same principles and limitations free from the frustration of petty arguments and unnecessary jargon.
I believe this should become a go to book for agile coaches.
Displaying 1 of 1 review