Joint US/Russian Solar Dynamic Flight Demonstration Project plan

The United States and Russia have agreed to jointly develop a solar dynamic (SD) system for flight demonstration on the Russian orbital station, Mir, starting in late 1997. This project is funded under the International Space Station (ISS) Phase I activities which involve joint US/Russian cooperative efforts to reduce risk and enhance working relationships in preparation for the joint integration of ISS. Of the projects falling under the Phase I program, the SD Flight Demonstration (SDFD) project is most complex in terms of the level of interfacing required. This paper provides a brief description of the solar dynamic technology, the project chronology of events, the US/Russian roles on the SDFD project, the project schedule, and project management tools used in dealing with the international team.