Optimizing Space Software Development Processes: Can Agile Methods Help?

Software plays a key role in space information technology. There continues to be challenges on building quality software with smaller budgets and shorter schedules.  This workshop will bring together software professionals and others in the space industry to discuss how best to meet current needs.

Theme:

Software engineers have used heavyweight, document-centric software development processes for years to build reliable space mission software.  But are these tried and true development processes always the most cost-effective?  Can they work in an environment that is increasingly budget and schedule constrained?  Are lightweight Agile methods ever appropriate for space software development? 

The Workshop:

This workshop will bring together software engineers and conference participants to share lessons learned on Agile processes from real-world experiences and to share opinions on Agile methods for space mission software. 

Workshop Goals:

·         To increase awareness of new software processes being used in the space arena

·         To highlight the importance that process plays in balancing cost and schedule with rigor and robustness in a software development effort

·         To discuss new methods and applications for different types of space platforms, payloads and tools

·         Tentative Workshop Day:

o   Morning:

§  Overview of Agile – “What It Is and What It Isn’t”

§  Workshop Keynote  – “Is Agile Too Fragile for Space” - Scott Carpenter of North Carolina State University

§  Technical Presentation – “Designing Reuseable Mission Operations Center Software Components” 

o   Afternoon:

§  Panel Discussion

§  Breakout topics

What we need from you….

Come to the conference! You don’t need to write a formal paper or presentation, just come for the day, listen to some thought provoking opinions and share your thoughts and ideas on agile methods for software in the space domain! While at the conference, take some time and visit Maryland. The Chesapeake Bay is not far from the APL campus as is Annapolis and Baltimore.

Important Dates:

August 16, 2014: Last day for early registration for the conference!

September 25, 2014: The day for this workshop!