ABSTRACT
Design Review (DR) has evolved as a product development tool that helps connect customer requirements to company design capabilities. The products involved are satellite telecommunication devices. These are quite complex systems, even within the sophisticated world of electronics and telecommunications. The resulting “proto-flight model” (PFM) is sort of a hybrid between old and new, allowing for more thorough quality evaluation. Both PFM and new products must be able to endure transportation to the launch pad, the launch itself, and then the harsh conditions of outer space, all without any malfunction. Those on support staff who draft DR documentation and other materials are far less visible than the designers and managers, but no less vital to the program. They compile lists of customer concerns and design needs after consulting with design specialists, quality engineers, and/or designated customer contacts. DR committees must address matters ranging from use of new technologies and components to safety planning for extremely tough operating environments.
