Roid Rage The Art of Breaking Your Own Plans
May 1, 2025
Dive into the world of deep space mining as the hosts dissect the concept of operations (ConOps) essential for successful missions. They explore how ConOps evolves, ownership dynamics, and the balance of risk management in planning. Learn about critical mission phases, the importance of contingency planning, and how historical failures inform future successes. With insights into small teams and iterative processes, they emphasize continuous learning and accountability in operations. It's a captivating take on the complexities of astronautical strategy!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ConOps Is The Mission's Operating Map
- CONOPS defines what the spacecraft does and when so teams can design mission hardware and software against clear phases.
- Breaking a mission into phases helps teams 'eat the elephant one bite at a time.'
Phases Drive Design And Team Focus
- Deep-space missions have distinct phases like pre-launch, deployment, commissioning, cruise, rendezvous and contact.
- Each phase changes subsystem behavior and team priorities, so CONOPS must reflect those transitions.
Timebox Phases And Prioritize Contingencies
- Assign time limits and contingencies to each phase because missing a deadline can ruin downstream options like lunar assists.
- Prioritize and design detailed contingencies for the highest-risk failure modes rather than trying to plan everything.
