Command Track: Contracts, Money, Hiring and Planning · Module 4 of 4 · about 15 min
Planning technical work
NASA uses Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) from 1 to 9 to say how mature a technology is. TRL 1 is basic principles observed. TRL 9 is an actual system proven in operations. Being honest about TRL keeps plans and budgets grounded.
The NASA Systems Engineering Handbook lays out a disciplined way to build complex things: define what the system must do, write requirements, design, verify that it meets them and validate that it solves the real problem. Small crews can use a light version of the same steps.
Every plan needs a few things: a clear goal, a scope that says what is out as well as in, a schedule with the critical path, a budget, named owners and a list of risks with what you will do about each one.
A business plan does the same for the company. The SBA's guide covers the market, the offer, operations, management and financial projections. The point is not the document; it is thinking through how the business will actually make money before you spend it.
Sources
Module quiz
5 questions, 4 correct to pass. You'll see what you missed and why, and you can retake it.