Managerial Lessons Learned Do’s and Don’ts in Planetary Protection Presented by Alissa J. Haddaji, COSPAR

Table of Content Common Problems (Don’ts) An unclear chain of command Budget overruns Lack of trainings Other Common errors Check List (Do’s)

Common Problems (1/5) I. An unclear chain of command A blurred definition and/or severed link between the Planetary Protection Manager and his/her team Leads to difficulties in meeting PP requirements. Planetary Protection relevant personnel not convened at key organizational project meetings Creates conflicts at all levels between scientists, engineers, technicians, and management and generates difficulties in complying with PP requirements.

Common Problems (2/5) Lack of links between the various levels managing Planetary Protection requirements Miscommunication leading to delays and difficulties in reaching PP requirements. Lack of Planetary Protection supervision along the entire project Miscommunication and difficulties in handling contingencies.

Common Problems (3/5) II. Budget overruns Project Financiers not aware of PP requirements Mistakes when finalizing the cost, resource and AIT (Assembly, Integration and Test) plans. III. Lack of training A project manager, mission manager or PP Team lead with no previous solid PP training Creates difficulties in understanding and therefore handling PP requirements at the right stage within the project, ultimately leading to failure in matching required PP requirements.

Common Problems (4/5) IV. Other common errors Planetary Protection not taken into account during Mission Design The selected material may not handle PP sterilization methods forcing the team to start over, costing money and severe delays to the entire project Out of the loop sub-contractors Design flaws as the hardware and other parts couldn’t handle DHMR (Dry Heat Microbial Reduction) sterilization

Common Problems (5/5) Short-staffed PP teams. (right amount not requested or not approved by project manager) Critical details go unchecked with staff missing critical meetings where they should have been informed of change in hardware for example, bringing about, later on, deficiencies in documentation and difficulties in reaching PP requirements, costing money and severe delays to the entire project.

Check List - Do’s in PP (1/2) Establish from the very beginning clear planetary protection roles and responsibilities Designate dedicated and experienced PP staff at all levels (space agency, project and contractors) Plan adequate PP Trainings for your staff (from managers to on deck staff) Plan an early PP meeting with all agents involved in the mission (PPO, program executive, program management, project management, program scientist, engineers, contamination control personnel, project PP team and sub-contractors lead)

Check List (2/2) Designate one person per project to carry the responsibility of acting as the designated link regarding PP issues at all stages of the project Discuss technical aspects (material selection and hardware design) so it can tolerate PP sampling and DHMR and match PP temperature compliances. Discuss the PP budget, taking into consideration the needs in personnel, various levels of trainings and prices of selected sterilization facilities and material. Take into account the fact that there will be contingencies Discuss possible changes, for instance, a change in hardware redesign. This way, alternative PP procedures can be prepared in advance and will avoid over costs or delays.