Writing A Success Story: Lessons Learned From The Spitzer Space Telescope

A key to the success of the Spitzer Space Telescope (formerly SIRTF) Mission was a unique management structure that promoted open communication and collaboration among scientific, engineering, and contractor personnel at all levels of the project. This helped us to recruit and maintain the very best people to work on Spitzer. We describe the management concept that led to the success of the mission. Specific examples of how the project benefited from the communication and reporting structure, and lessons learned about technology are described.