Characteristics of a successful space system engineer

The Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite was launched on June 24, 1999, on a three-year mission to explore the universe using the technique of high-resolution spectroscopy in the far-ultraviolet spectral region. The FUSE instrument comprises many subsystems, each of which contributes in an essential way to the success of the mission. The instrument system engineer oversees the engineering of all elements in such a complex technical project. In performing system engineering for the FUSE instrument's command, telemetry, data processing and data storage functions, and in leading the engineering efforts for the development of the FUSE instrument on-board computer, the author has learned valuable lessons about the characteristics that are prerequisite to success for a space system engineer. These characteristics fall under various categories of acquired, practical know-how. These categories are described with illustrations drawn from the development of the FUSE instrument. In addition to these practical skills and the concomitant knowledge, the system engineer needs personal integrity, which is the link that connects knowledge with know-how and makes them work together to motivate a team of subsystem engineers. This, too, will be discussed.