In search of technology readiness level (TRL) 10

Abstract The NASA nine-level technology readiness level (TRL) system's top level is reached by a system being proven through use in a space mission. NASA, though, is not just an organization that seeks to develop unproven technologies. Future space activities require technologies more akin to an airliner than an Apollo Capsule. This paper considers the need for a higher TRL category indicating a proven technology demonstrated through extended operations, and it discusses its definition and sufficiency.

[1]  James W Bilbro,et al.  Using the Advancement Degree of Difficulty (AD2) as an Input to Risk Management , 2008 .

[2]  Bernard El-Khoury,et al.  An Analysis of TRL-Based Cost and Schedule Models , 2012 .

[3]  Leonard E. Miller,et al.  NASA systems engineering handbook , 1995 .

[4]  Brian J. Sauser,et al.  System Development Planning via System Maturity Optimization , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management.

[5]  Keith Warfield,et al.  Technology readiness levels , 2016 .

[6]  Robert Shishko,et al.  NASA technology assessment using real options valuation , 2004, Syst. Eng..

[7]  Andrew Sage,et al.  Toward a NASA-Specific Project Management Framework , 2005 .

[8]  John C. Mankins,et al.  Technology readiness and risk assessments: A new approach , 2009 .

[9]  John W. Robinson,et al.  The Need for Technology Maturity of Any Advanced Capability to Achieve Better Life Cycle Cost (LCC) , 2009 .

[10]  Ming-Chang Lee,et al.  AN APPROACH FOR DEVELOPING CONCEPT OF INNOVATION READINESS LEVELS , 2011 .

[11]  Wilson N. Felder.  Next generation air transportation system demonstration program , 2006 .

[12]  Brian Sauser,et al.  A Systems Approach to Expanding the Technology Readiness Level within Defense Acquisition , 2008 .

[13]  E. Rogers.  Diffusion of Innovations , 1962 .

[14]  Robin L. Dillon,et al.  Success factors and future challenges in the management of faster-better-cheaper projects: lessons learned from NASA , 2001, IEEE Trans. Engineering Management.

[15]  Loura Hall,et al.  NASA Strategic Space Technology Investment Plan , 2015 .

[16]  S. Radack.  The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) , 2009 .

[17]  Koushik Datta,et al.  A Life-Cycle Cost Estimating Methodology for NASA-Developed Air Traffic Control Decision Support Tools , 2013 .

[18]  Homayoon Dezfuli,et al.  NASA Risk-Informed Decision Making Handbook , 2010 .

[19]  Robert Rosen,et al.  The NASA technology push towards future space mission systems , 1989 .

[20]  Oussama El-Rawas,et al.  A second look at Faster, Better, Cheaper , 2010, Innovations in Systems and Software Engineering.

[21]  John C. Mankins,et al.  Technology readiness assessments: A retrospective , 2009 .

[22]  Ben J Hicks,et al.  A methodology for evaluating technology readiness during product development , 2009 .

[23]  Jeremy Straub,et al.  CubeSats: A Low-Cost, Very High-Return Space Technology , 2012 .