How does JWST plan to finish on time and within budget?
For this large complex space project, much new technology was needed. To mitigate risk and minimize overall costs, the JWST Project adopted the strategy of developing all required technology early. Studies show that increased investment in Phase A/B results in lower risk of overrun at completion. All critical Project technologies reached Technical Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6) as determined by a Technology Non-Advocate Review (T-NAR) in early 2007. This achievement was well in advance of the Spring 2008 Project-wide NAR and transition to Phase C/D (the time at which TRL-6 is required), and fully half a decade prior to a 2014 launch. For TRL-6, a technology must be demonstrated to provide the needed performance in a flight-like environment; such demonstrations typically include thermal-vacuum testing, vibration testing, or life-cycle testing, for example. • What else is JWST doing to finish on time and within budget? The Project is minimizing costs and mitigating risk with a “tiered integra
