Lead-Time Schedule Risk: How One Part Sets the Launch Date
How should a programme plan around long-lead parts, and which part usually sets the launch date?
Chapter summary
work backwards from launch.
Key takeaways
- 1
Subtract integration and test, subtract any test queue, then subtract each part's lead time: the result is the latest date each part can be ordered.
- 2
In Setcoin's reference case, a satellite due to launch in 30 months with eight months of integration and test and a two-month test queue needs every part delivered by month 20.
- 3
With space-grade switchgear at 24 months, it is already four months late on the day the contract is signed; the launch slips to month 34 unless the switchgear was ordered in advance.
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