European standardization for the management of space-related projects

A project is a temporary endeavour designed to produce a unique product, service or result, with a defined beginning and end (usually constrained by time, funding or deliverables), which is undertaken to meet unique goals and objectives, typically to bring about beneficial change or added value. Space projects involve a complex process and usually take many years to be developed. The development of complex project requires the cooperation of several organizations, which share a common goal: namely, to create a product that satisfies the consumer's needs (technical performance) within cost and schedule constraints. To reach this goal, corresponding technical activities, as well as human and financial resources, need to be organized and coordinated in a wellorganized manner. Project management is the discipline of initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and finalizing the work of a team in the achievement of specific goals and meeting specific success criteria. This involves the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities in order to meet project requirements. The paper is a review of how issues related to space management requirements has been addressed in Europe.