Know the importance and fundamental characteristics of a viable CONOPS and its importance to a successful space program

Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

Concept of Operations (CONOPS)What is a CONOPS and why is it important?CONOPS Fundamentals

What is a CONOPS? Why so important? The CONOPS describes the "How" in

"How to Accomplish the Mission." Originally used almost exclusively by the

military and other government agencies, the inclusion of a viable CONOPS is now apart of the commercial business world.

Business has and continues to shift towards the detailed framework of a CONOPS, rather than the traditional business plan or acquisition strategy – but is a CONOPS different from a well developed business strategy?

Herding cats? (eds – 2006)

What is a CONOPS? Why so important? A well developed CONOPS not only

outlines how the mission is to be accomplished, but also: Program vision and goals The leadership and organizational structure How the various sub-groups function and

operate as a collective team – roles/responsibilities

Mission Requirements Timeline Measurements of Success Unforeseen Possibilities – What can derail

the project In essence, a successful CONOPS

galvanizes your program elements aligning them to a common purpose

CONOPS FundamentalsBuilding a successful CONOPS starts with asking the right questions:What is the "Mission" to be accomplished?What is the intent of the leader for this project? What is the project goal?Who are the key participants?What are the relationships between these key players? Who's in Charge?What resources are needed  for the project to be successful?What are the high-level operational tasks that must be performed for success?What connectivity is required between the participating system elements? What are the training needs?How will we recognize that the results of the project meet the program goals?

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CONOPS - Example

Know the importance and fundamental characteristics of a viable CONOPS and its importance to a successful space program

Concept of Operations (CONOPS)