The role of the R&M disciplines in the new NASA

With the increasing demand to accomplish scientific missions with fewer resources, NASA has been reexamining its technical approaches to its research and development activities. The Agency Strategic Plan, approved by the Administrator in the spring of 1994, states: "We will conduct our programs such that we are the recognized international leader in the safety, quality and mission assurance activities. We will use a systematic and disciplined approach involving the adequacy, oversight, and support to the technical risk decision making process." The Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) at NASA Headquarters has the responsibility for making this operating principle a reality. The Office of Safety and Mission Assurance has expressed as its objectives: (1) establish/maintain SRM&QA functions as aggressive contributing elements in the planning, development and implementation of NASA programs and strategic enterprises; (2) continually refine the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Program to anticipate evolving technological requirements; (3) promote technical excellence and continual improvement in SRM&QA products and services in support of our program customers; and (4) promote the development of innovative methods/techniques to achieve safety and mission success and S&MA technology advancement.