scope:

Abstract:

After Cassini was mated to the launch vehicle, excessively high velocity cooling airflow blew insulation particles into the Descent Module. The responsibility for supplying cooling to the probe on the launch pad had been informally transferred from ESA to JPL without adequate control of the onpad interface.

Require that program decisions affecting interfaces automatically trigger a review of the need to change the IRD or ICD. Ensure that the verification methodology is thorough and considers responsibilities as well as requirements.