Space System Technologies' Ansari X-Prize launch vehicle program strategy

Ansari X-Prize Program Proposal

Tim Truitt

Strategic Project Management

Incorporation into Existing SST Launch Vehicle Program

Creation of New SST Launch Vehicle Program

Creation of SST Launch Vehicle Portfolio Program

Recommendation and Course of Action

Space System Technologies (SST) has the strategy and ability to provide clients with assembled launch vehicles that meet their needs. SST is positioned within the industry to form long-term relationships with next-generation companies offering next-generation flight models. Today, the next generation of flight is here and the destination is Space. Scale Composites, led by Burt Rutan, is focused on providing the latest in aerospace technology to luxury-ride clients seeking to see Space first-hand. This authentic, luxury ride will be in demand around the world; therefore, we recommend that the X-Prize vehicles first be incorporated into an existing program and then, if demand is growing that it then become a portfolio project for SST.

Project Overview

The Ansari X-Prize competition brought the next generation of aerospace technology to life with the opportunity of making weekly trips to space a reality. SST can capitalize on this reality by providing assembled launch pads for Scale Composites and any other organization looking to take part in this exciting new flight industry, which is the culmination of a technological evolution from "airplanes to spaceships" (Ansari X-Prize, 2015).

Incorporation into Existing SST Launch Vehicle Program

Incorporation of the X-Prize program into one of our current SST rocket assembly program would allow us to employ methods already in use. Yet, the specifics of the X-Prize assembly would require education, time, and training of staff in order to see that the needs of the client are met. Thus, while incorporating the X-Prize program into an existing program could reduce SST's need for more resources, the incorporation itself will require training and specialization, which means investing in employee education and retention (Glanz, 2002). However, this cost could be offset by the fact that the X-Prize program itself is one marketed to a higher class, which suggests that there is significant potential for this line (Ton, 2014).

Creation of New SST Launch Vehicle Program

The creation of a new SST launch vehicle program would make more practical sense than incorporation simply because resources could be allocated exclusively to this program, which will have its own attendant needs. Such allocation will of course have its operation-costs and therefore it is important to determine the metrics that will need to be met and whether they are feasible before creation is begun (Glazer, 2011). This option is limited to the resources available and the time with which the administration can implement training.

Creation of SST Launch Vehicle Portfolio Program

A portfolio program would be most practical of the three options, as long as it can be determined that the benefits of a SST launch vehicle portfolio would see the demand that market analysts currently predict (Glanz, 2002). Scaled Composites offers the potential for this portfolio to become a major one for SST; however, a portfolio program looks for growth (Ton, 2014) and so before beginning the program it would be necessary to establish that this new sector is indeed one that will be in demand (Glazer, 2011). The potential is there, as the X-Prize program suggests.

Conclusion

It is the organizational goal of SST to identify new and burgeoning vehicles needed for the next generation of flight, and it is our overall strategy to stay at the cutting-edge forefront of technology and development by incorporating into diverse portfolios a range of vehicles. Our project management outcome will be that we are 1st in providing assembled launch pads to the Aerospace sector, and that we will be recognized universally as the go-to source for assembled delivery. For this reason, we recommend that the X-Prize program first be incorporated as a trial and then spun-off if the trial proves effective. This will allow SST to retain its core business value while potentially adding value through a new dimension.