Perspectives on Systems Engineering from Florida's Space Coast

Florida's Space Coast is a unique location. The nation's space program was born here, and it continues to thrive. There are more engineers per capita on the Space Coast than in just about any other place. Aerospace companies, defense contractors, and innovative startups all work side-by-side to develop the latest products and services, incorporating advanced technology, guided by professional engineers. Systems engineers, in particular, play an important role on the Space Coast. The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) defines systems engineering as "a transdisciplinary and integrative approach to enable the successful realization, use, and retirement of engineered systems, using systems principles and concepts, and scientific, technological, and management methods." This is a complex definition, but at its heart are systems engineers - the people who make it all work. This book is a collection of case studies and lessons learned about systems engineering from Florida's Space Coast. There really are rocket scientists here, and they all have stories to tell.