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Systems Engineering for ASPIRE: A Low-Cost, High Risk Parachute Test Project

The Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment (ASPIRE)managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has developed a sounding rocket test architecture to test a strengthened parachute for JPL's Mars 2020 Rover. Categorized as a sub-orbital sounding rocket mission, the program is more risk tolerant than a typical JPL flight mission; thus more leeway is allowed in tailoring institutional requirements. However, since ASPIRE is a risk reduction activity for Mars 2020, its test results are significant to JPL and directly impact decisions for a flagship planetary mission. This, combined with the wide scope and complexity of ASPIRE - which spans multiple NASA sites, and includes distinct flight, ground, launch vehicle, and mission systems – creates unique programmatic challenges. Furthermore, as a program composed of multiple test missions, it is possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the systems engineering approach between launches. As a result, the project has developed an adapted version of typical systems engineering functions such as verification and validation (V&V), resource management, risk management, engineering change requests, and lifecycle management. A set of project guidelines has been established to accommodate the small team size, low budget, and higher risk posture of the project while also maintaining the highest possible chance of mission success and quality of engineering data products. This paper describes ASPIRE's unique approach to systems engineering functions, and evaluates successes and lessons learned.