Sept 08 Meeting Recap PDF Print E-mail
Written by INCOSE-LA   

Article by Jorg Largent, co-editor 

Mr. John Silvas presented an excellent overview of the Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) contractor roles and functions in support of the Global Positioning Satellite System. This speaker meeting was attended by approximately 40 people at the host site plus many more at remote sites in Huntington Beach, Anaheim, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Palmdale, plus at least one out-of-state remote site.

Mr. Silvas represents Booz-Allen Hamilton and is the Plans and Process Team Lead for the GPS SE&I team. Mr. Silvas’ presentation included overviews of the GPS system, the U.S. Air Force GPS Wing, and the SE&I team and concluded with a discussion of key SE&I activities. The GPS wing, located at the Los Angeles Air Force Base, is of note as the DoD Acquisition Office for the GPS system.

It was interesting to note that “GPS,” which we can take for granted in our automobiles, is a system of systems: a system of satellites, a control system, and a “user segment” system. The GPS team is sensitive to the need for these systems to work together seamlessly, and they face a challenge of incorporating new capabilities without interrupting the service enjoyed by the current users. Mr. Silvas’ presentation included a comprehensive and informative discussion of how the SE&I team is meeting the challenge. One interesting tool used to visualize and organize the solution to the challenge was the use of a multi-dimensional “V” model. The Chapter thanks Mr. Silvas for his presentation.

Last Updated ( Saturday, 04 October 2008 15:39 )