800-PG-8715.5.1A Range Safety Process for Programs and Projects.pdf

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A APPROVED BY Signature: Original Signed By

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 24, 2019 NAME: David L. Pierce

EXPIRATION DATE: April 24, 2024 TITLE: Director, Wallops Flight Facility

CHECK THE GSFC DIRECTIVES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT

http://gdms.gsfc.nasa.gov TO VERIFY THAT THIS IS THE CORRECT VERSION PRIOR TO USE.

08/16

Center-wide

Procedures and Guidelines (PG)

COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY

Responsible Office: Code 803/WFF Safety Office

Title: Range Safety Process for Programs and Projects

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

P.1 PURPOSE

P.2 APPLICABILITY

P.3 AUTHORITY

P.4 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS AND FORMS

P.5 CANCELLATION

P.6 SAFETY

P.7 TRAINING

P.8 RECORDS

P.9 MEASUREMENT/VERIFICATION

CHAPTER 1.0 RANGE SAFETY PROCESS OVERVIEW

1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.2 AUTHORITY, ROLES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.2.1 SAFETY MANAGEMENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.2.2 MISSION SPECIFIC SAFETY ROLES

1.2.3 RANGE AND PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT ROLES

1.3 RANGE SAFETY PROCESS ELEMENTS

1.3.1 RANGE SAFETY PROCESS AND SUPPORT TO PROGRAMS/PROJECTS

1.3.2 PROJECT REQUESTS FOR SAFETY OFFICE SUPPORT

1.3.3 RANGE SAFETY INVOLVEMENT IN PROJECT PLANNING

1.3.4 GROUND SAFETY PROCESS (ANALYSIS AND PLANNING)

1.3.5 FLIGHT SAFETY PROCESS (ANALYSIS AND PLANNING)

1.3.6 FLIGHT SAFETY SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND PRELIMINARY APPROVAL

1.3.7 MISSION SAFETY PLANNING, CERTIFICATIONS, AND READINESS REVIEWS

1.3.8 SAFETY PROCESS DURING RANGE OPERATIONS

1.3.9 POST-OPERATION SAFETY PROCESS

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 2 of 45

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 24, 2019

EXPIRATION DATE: April 24, 2024

08/16

CHAPTER 2.0 RANGE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT CODE (RAC) MATRIX AND

GUIDELINES

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.2 RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS

2.2.1 RANGE SAFETY RAC MATRIX

2.2.2 RANGE SAFETY RAC GUIDELINES

CHAPTER 3.0 RELIEF FROM RANGE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

3.1 INTRODUCTION

3.2 RANGE/LAUNCH SAFETY REQUIREMENTS RELIEF REQUEST FORMAT

3.3 RELIEF REQUEST DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

3.4 RELIEF REQUEST APPROVAL PROCESS

3.5 ON-CONSOLE RANGE SAFETY WAIVER APPROVAL PROCESS

APPENDIX A – DEFINITIONS

APPENDIX B – ACRONYMS

APPENDIX C – WFF SAFETY OFFICE DOCUMENT SIGNATURE PROCESS

CHANGE HISTORY LOG

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 3 of 45

08/16

P.1 PURPOSE

This Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Procedures and Guidelines (PG) defines the range safety process for programs and projects that conduct range operations under the authority of Wallops Flight

Facility (WFF). This PG provides for implementation of NPR 8715.5, Range Flight Safety Program, NASA-STD-8719.25 Range Flight Safety Requirements, and the operational safety requirements outlined in NPR 8715.3, NASA General Safety Program Requirements.

The range safety process ensures proper implementation of range safety requirements. In concert with this PG, range operations shall comply with GSFC-STD-8009, GSFC/WFF Range Safety Manual, which contains range safety requirements for all range operations under the authority of WFF.

P.2 APPLICABILITY

This PG applies to all organizations, programs, and projects that conduct range operations under the authority and cognizance of the WFF Safety Office. This PG defines roles and responsibilities and contains requirements that specifically apply to members of the WFF Safety Office and key members within the Code 800 Suborbital and Special Orbital Projects Directorate for providing range safety support to programs and projects.

a. In this document, all citations are the latest version unless otherwise noted.

b. In this document, all mandatory actions (i.e., requirements) are denoted by statements containing the term “shall.” The terms “may” or “can” denote discretionary privilege or permission; “should” denotes a good practice and is recommended but not required; “will” denotes expected outcome; and “are/is” denotes descriptive material.

P.3 AUTHORITY

a. NPR 8715.3, NASA General Safety Program Requirements

b. NPR 8715.5, Range Flight Safety Program

P.4 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS AND FORMS

a. NPD 8700.1, NASA Policy for Safety and Mission Success,

b. NPR 8621.1, NASA Procedural Requirements for Mishap and Close Call Reporting, Investigating, and Record Keeping

c. NPR 8715.3, NASA General Safety Program Requirements

d. NPR 8715.5, Range Flight Safety Program

e. NASA-STD-8719.25, Range Flight Safety Requirements

f. GPR 8621.4, GSFC Mishap Preparedness and Contingency Plan

g. GSFC-STD-8009, GSFC/WFF Range Safety Manual

h. 800-PG-8715.0.4, Certification Procedures for Operations Safety Supervisors at WFF

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 4 of 45

08/16

i. 803-PG-3410.2.2, WFF Safely Office Training and Certification Program

j. 803-PG-8715.1.16, Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS) Certification

k. RCC 319, FTS Commonality Standards

l. WFF Safety Office web site (http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/code803/)

P.5 CANCELLATION

800-PG-8715.5.1, Range Safety Process for Programs and Projects

P.6 SAFETY

N/A

P.7 TRAINING

Personnel serving in various safety positions defined in this PG require training and certification in accordance with the 803-PG-3410.2.2, WFF Safety Office Training and Certification Program.

P.8 RECORDS

Record Title Record Custodian Retention Approved Range Safety Waiver/ELS Requests Program/Project Offices NRRS 8/103: Temporary.

Destroy/delete between 5 and 30 years after program/project termination

Project Request Form Range Safety Process Coordinator NRRS 8/103

* NRRS 1441.1 – NASA Records Retention Schedule

P.9 MEASUREMENT/VERIFICATION

Internal/external audits related to the “Range Safety Process” will assess the effectiveness of this PG.

PROCEDURES

Chapter 1.0 RANGE SAFETY PROCESS OVERVIEW

1.1 Introduction

WFF operates facilities and conducts missions that involve launching, flying, landing, and testing space vehicles, aeronautical vehicles, and associated technologies. These activities, referred to in this PG as

“range operations,” present hazards, which can pose significant risk to life and property. This PG defines all elements of the process for ensuring that the WFF Safety Office is involved in each program and project and provides the oversight and support needed to ensure proper implementation of range

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 5 of 45

08/16 safety requirements for protecting the public, the workforce, and property during range operations.

GSFC-STD-8009 contains the range safety requirements that each range operation shall satisfy.

Safety is the responsibility of all National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) personnel, contractors, tenants, experimenters, and range users while conducting operations under the authority of

WFF. The safe operation of rockets, manned and unmanned aircraft, balloons, and other special range missions and all associated activities requires a concerted effort by all personnel to mitigate and control hazards, to minimize risks, and effectively manage residual risks.

The range safety process includes ground and flight safety involvement in program/project formulation, safety personnel assignments, range operation safety analysis and planning, real-time operational support, and post-operation activities. The assessment of safety risk and the evaluation of non-compliance with safety requirements are critical aspects of the overall range safety process. As such, this PG also provides the Range Safety Risk Assessment Code (RAC) Matrix and associated guidelines and the process for requesting relief from range safety requirements.

Note: The range safety process defined by this PG does not apply to conventional piloted aircraft missions unless a specific aspect of the mission requires range safety involvement to mitigate increased risk to the public, workforce, and/or property.

1.2 Authority, Roles, and Responsibilities

The range safety process is a cooperative effort between the WFF Safety Office, the applicable launch range, and program or range user. This section defines the specific authority, roles, and responsibilities at the management and mission implementation levels.

The GSFC Center Director has final authority and accountability for all aspects of safety at operational locations under the management of WFF. Per GPR 8710.8, GSFC Safety Program Management, the

Center Director delegates certain authorities to the Director of WFF and additional members of leadership to ensure appropriate attention on range safety.

1.2.1 Safety Management Roles and Responsibilities

1.2.1.1 Director of WFF – responsibilities include:

a. Designating the WFF Safety Office Chief (see Section 1.2.1.2)

b. Delegating range safety technical authority to the WFF Range Safety Chief Engineer (RSCE) within the WFF Safety Office.

c. Approving the WFF range safety processes, policies and requirements.

d. Serving as the final authority for approving pre-mission and real-time range safety waivers. (See

Chapter 3, Relief from Range Safety Requirements).

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 6 of 45

1.2.1.2 Chief, WFF Safety Office – oversees the planning, development, and implementation of the

WFF’s range safety process. Responsible for hiring and supervising WFF Safety Office personnel. The

WFF Safety Office Chief’s responsibilities include:

a. Concurring on the WFF range safety processes, policies, and requirements.

b. Developing, coordinating, and updating range safety process documentation, including this PG.

c. Developing cost estimates for programs and projects.

d. Periodically monitoring WFF range operations to ensure that the WFF range safety process is effective and to identify any needed process changes and/or improvements.

e. Assigning WFF Safety Office personnel to satisfy the responsibilities stated in this PG for each program/project.

f. Assigning a WFF Safety Office point-of-contact (POC) to coordinate with each program/project and facilitate the range safety process defined by this PG.

g. Signing safety documentation (approval/concurrence) per Appendix C of this PG.

h. Designating the Lead Range Safety Officer and Range Safety Chief Engineer.

i. Approving the operational safety personnel assignments for each mission.

Note: Specific assignments of personnel to serve in safety roles for programs, projects, and each mission are accomplished in coordination between the WFF Safety Office leadership and are subject to final approval by the WFF Safety Office Chief. The Safety Office leadership consists of the Safety Office Chief, the Deputy for Ground Safety, the Deputy for Flight Safety, and the

Lead Range Safety Officer.

1.2.1.3 WFF Range Safety Chief Engineer (RSCE) – exercises safety technical authority over flight and ground range safety policy and requirements. The WFF RSCE responsibilities include:

a. Interpreting and monitoring the application of range safety requirements to programs utilizing launch ranges through definition, design, development, and operation.

b. Ensuring proper implementation of the range safety tailoring and requirements relief process (see

Chapter 3, Relief from Range Safety Requirements).

c. Signing safety documentation (approval/concurrence) per Appendix C of this PG.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 7 of 45

08/16

d. Providing WFF Safety Office approval/certification for range systems including all elements of the

Flight Safety System (FSS). This includes:

(1) Coordinating input from the WFF Safety Office and other key stakeholders during the design, test, implementation, and maintenance phases of system development and providing safety input to the program/project manager and/or system development lead.

(2) Serving as the safety panel member at system milestone reviews (or assigning a designee).

(3) Concurring on successful completion of system Operational Readiness Reviews (ORRs) (or equivalent) and issuing safety specific approvals/certifications as needed.

Note: Per NASA NPR 8715.5, an FSS is a system (including any flight or ground subsystem) whose performance is factored into the range safety analysis and relied upon during flight to mitigate hazards (e.g., a flight termination system). This PG also considers ground data systems that support the Range Safety Go for Launch decision as part of the FSS as their performance is factored into the range safety analysis.

e. Serving as the Center Range Flight Safety Lead (CRFSL) as defined in NPR 8715.5 and ensuring that the associated responsibilities are satisfied.

f. Serving as the focal point for all matters involving the WFF range safety process, including interpreting the applicability of this PG to each range user, program, or project.

1.2.1.4 Lead Range Safety Officer (RSO) – serves as technical lead for the RSOs within the Safety

Office and is responsible for operational implementation of range safety policy, processes, and requirements. Lead RSO responsibilities include:

a. Providing technical guidance and direction to the WFF Safety Office and programs/projects throughout the range safety process and completion of each mission, focusing on operational implementation of range safety requirements.

b. Participating as a key stakeholder and providing expertise in the design, testing, maintenance, and use of all elements of the FSS and recommending operational approval to the RSCE.

c. Coordinating with other WFF Safety Office leadership on operational safety assignments and developing cost estimates with a focus on operational support.

d. Establishing and overseeing the training and certification for all operational range safety personnel that satisfies NASA-STD-8719.25 in addition to any specific training requirements to address unique aspects of WFF range operations.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 8 of 45

08/16

Note: With regard to operational wind weighting and operational safety analyst positions, the

Lead RSO has responsibility for training and certification focused on the unique aspects of serving in an operational role, including on-console performance and communications protocols. The Deputy for Flight Safety is responsible for training and certifying the technical aspects of the wind weighting and operational safety analyst positions. The Lead RSO and

Deputy for Flight Safety coordinate to ensure the overall training and certification for personnel to serve in these positions during range operations.

e. Serving as technical lead for the RSOs within the WFF Safety Office.

f. Signing safety documentation (approval/concurrence) per Appendix C of this PG.

Note: The Lead RSO may delegate one or more of these responsibilities for a given range operation or system. See mission specific RSO responsibilities in Section 1.2.2.4.

1.2.1.5 Deputy Chief, Ground Safety – advises, coordinates, and monitors the implementation of ground safety requirements and supervises WFF Safety Office personnel involved in the ground safety process (Section 1.3.4). The Deputy Chief for Ground Safety responsibilities include:

a. Developing WFF Safety Office cost estimates for programs and projects with regard to ground safety support.

b. Assigning the ground safety personnel for each range operation.

d. Researching, developing and maintaining capabilities, methodologies, and tools needed to complete ground safety analyses, safety packages, and plans.

e. Establishing and overseeing the ground safety personnel training to ensure their preparedness and readiness to perform assigned pre-mission ground safety tasks.

f. Coordinating as needed with the Lead RSO to ensure mission specific operation training for ground safety personnel.

g. Establishing and overseeing the training and certification of Operations Safety Specialists (OSS) and

Ground Safety Officers (GSO) (see Sections 1.2.2.7 and 1.2.2.8).

Note: 800-PG-8715.0.4 contains procedures for OSS certification.

h. Directing the implementation of facility system safety, industrial hygiene, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) programs.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 9 of 45

08/16

i. Providing technical aerospace engineering advice and guidance during mission planning, integration, and coordination with respect to ground safety.

1.2.1.6 Deputy Chief, Flight Safety - advises, coordinates, and monitors the implementation of flight safety requirements and supervises WFF Safety Office personnel involved in the flight safety process

(Section 1.3.5). The Deputy Chief for Flight Safety responsibilities include:

a. Developing WFF Safety Office cost estimates for programs and projects with regard to flight safety support.

b. Assigning the flight safety personnel for each range operation.

d. Researching, developing, and maintaining the capabilities, methodologies, and tools needed to perform pre-mission flight safety analyses, to develop flight safety plans and data packages, as applicable and to perform launch-day operational safety risk assessments.

e. Establishing and overseeing flight safety personnel training to ensure their readiness to perform assigned pre-mission flight safety tasks that satisfies that NASA-STD-8719.25 in addition to any specific training requirements to address unique aspects of WFF range operations.

f. Establishing and overseeing the technical training and certification of Wind Weighting Analysts and

Operations Safety Risk Analysts.

g. Coordinating as needed with the Lead RSO to ensure overall operational training and certification is accomplished for flight safety personnel.

h. Providing technical aerospace engineering advice and guidance during mission planning, integration, and coordination with respect to fight safety.

i. Providing launch availability studies with regard to satisfying safety risk criteria when requested by the program/project.

1.2.2 Mission Specific Safety Roles

The following identifies the key safety roles and responsibilities involved in the range safety process for a typical range operation from WFF (unless otherwise noted). Safety roles and responsibilities are tailored from this baseline depending on the specific operation, e.g., orbital launch vehicles, sounding rockets, scientific balloons, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Individual functions outlined below may be designated to several people under the prime. The number of safety personnel supporting an operation will vary depending on the nature of the operation. The determination of the makeup of the safety support for a particular mission occurs as part of early range safety involvement in project planning (see Section 1.3.3, Range Safety Involvement in Project Planning) and is documented in a

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 10 of 45

08/16

Range Safety Operations Plan (RSOP) (or equivalent). The Ground and Flight Safety Analysts and the

FTS Engineer (Sections 1.2.2.1 – 1.2.2.3) are most active prior to mission execution. The remainder of the safety roles listed below (Sections 1.2.2.4 – 1.2.2.12) are operational as they are directly involved in mission execution and generally have duties involved in preparing for an operation. Appendix C of this

PG identifies the responsibilities for signing mission safety documentation (approval/concurrence).

Note: Qualified and certified Safety Office personnel generally perform the safety roles for range operations; however, personnel from other organizations may perform certain safety roles for specific range operations with training and certification from the WFF Safety Office and approval by the Safety Office Chief.

1.2.2.1 Ground Safety Analyst - coordinates with the program/project, assigned Mission

Range Safety Officer (MRSO), and other mission personnel to conduct pre-mission analysis, develop mission plans, and implement the overall pre-mission ground safety process defined in Section 1.3.4, Ground Safety Process. The Ground Safety Analyst works with the program/project to facilitate on-time delivery of ground data packages and other range user supplied data.

1.2.2.2 Flight Safety Analyst - coordinates with the program/project, assigned MRSO, and other mission personnel to conduct pre-mission analysis, develop mission plans, and implement the overall pre-mission flight safety process defined in Section 1.3.5, Flight Safety

Process. The Flight Safety Analyst works with the program/project to facilitate on-time delivery of flight data packages and other range user supplied data.

1.2.2.3 Flight Termination System (FTS) Engineer - oversees the design, development, testing and implementation of the onboard safety system components for a mission requiring the use of a commanded FTS or Autonomous FTS (AFTS). The FTS Engineer:

a. Participates in FTS/AFTS requirements tailoring and recommends approval to the RSCE.

b. Provides WFF Safety Office concurrence on FTS/AFTS component qualification and acceptance related issues and activities as long as the tailored requirements are satisfied.

c. Evaluates any FTS/AFTS related Equivalent Level of Safety (ELS) and waiver requests, drafts WFF

Safety Office dispositions, and recommends approval to the RSCE.

d. Witnesses FTS/AFTS component and system level testing at the discretion of the RSCE.

e. Drafts an FTS/AFTS report that documents that the onboard FTS/AFTS components and overall onboard system for the mission complies with the tailored requirements, and recommends approval to the RSCE and the MRSO.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 11 of 45

08/16

Note: Implementation of an AFTS is subject to 803-PG-8715.1.16, which requires evaluation by a team of engineers and analysts led by the WFF Safety Office. The

FTS Engineer is a member of this team.

1.2.2.4 Mission Range Safety Officer (MRSO) - leads the operational implementation of the range safety process for a specific range operation. The MRSO:

Note: The Safety Office Chief generally assigns MRSOs from the Safety Office’s RSO staff; however, other personnel may serve as MRSO for a specific mission with approval by the WFF Safety Office Chief.

a. Coordinates the WFF Safety Office support for the mission and leads the presentation of flight and ground safety analysis results and related information at pre-mission reviews.

b. Leads the development of the Range Safety Operations Plan (RSOP) (or equivalent) for each range operation.

Note: The RSOP for a mission is an internal WFF Safety Office document for use by operational safety personnel. It identifies the operational safety functions required for the mission, documents the operational safety personnel and mission specific responsibilities, contains the

MRSO checklist, and contains information that pertains to the safety activities and overall support for the operation.

c. Leads the operational safety personnel during mission specific training, rehearsals, and execution.

d. Serves as the safety focal point of contact for all checks or questions from the Range or range user during mission execution, including campaign execution as assigned.

e. Verifies the readiness of all operational safety elements, including but not limited to the FSS.

f. Executes and authorizes proper safety procedures followed during unplanned launch contingencies.

g. Approves the categorization of people for risk management purposes (i.e. mission essential personnel, critical operations personnel, or public/visitors) on WFF property or at locations where WFF has range safety responsibility.

h. Approves real-time operational deviations from ground and flight safety plans as long as the operation satisfies the requirements of GSFC-STD-8009, GSFC/WFF Range Safety Manual (or tailored version) and any other applicable safety requirements. Ensures any approved deviation is documented and submitted to the WFF Safety Office leadership for post-mission review and identification of lessons-learned.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 12 of 45

08/16

Note: The MRSO’s authority to deviate from approved ground and flight safety plans for a specific mission provides necessary flexibility to address unforeseen circumstances that can occur in an operational environment. When exercising this authority, the MRSO will coordinate with the mission analyst(s) and other subject matter experts to the extent possible as a critical part of the process for arriving at a decision. If there is any doubt as to whether or not a proposed deviation satisfies applicable requirements, the MRSO has the authority to “HOLD” per Section 1.2.2.4i.

i. Ensures launch commit criteria established in safety plans and other applicable requirements are satisfied and exercises “HOLD” authority on operations when necessary, until the operation satisfies all criteria/requirements or relief is granted per the process defined in Chapter 3.

Note: The MRSO does not have authority to grant relief from range safety requirement. The authority to grant relief from range safety requirements (i.e., ELS and waivers) lies with the RSCE, the Chief of WFF Safety, and the Director of WFF per the process defined in Chapter 3.

j. Provides final Range Safety ‘GO’ to the NASA Test Director (TD) (or equivalent) for launch.

k. Monitors and interprets safety displays of vehicle performance and system status, informs the Flight

Safety Officer (FSO) of display status, and serves as emergency backup to the FSO for flight termination when applicable.

l. In the event of a loss of all vehicle position data after liftoff, implements the process for determining when a malfunctioning vehicle could create a hazard to the public and coordinates with the FSO as needed to make a flight termination decision.

m. Extracts positional data from safety systems on nominal or off nominal impacts and passes to the

TD, Recovery Director, and others as necessary to assist in location of recoverable payloads or debris.

n. For balloon missions, participates in the decision process for nominal mission termination with a focus on ensuring that applicable safety requirements/risk criteria are satisfied.

o. Participates in post-operation reviews and coordinates safety input to lessons-learned per Section

1.3.9 of this PG.

1.2.2.5 Flight Safety Officer (FSO) - for missions using a commanded FTS verify the readiness of the

FTS during the operation and make real-time flight termination decisions based on established criteria outlined in the Fight Safety Plan (FSP). During operations, the FSO:

a. Coordinates with the Systems Safety Officer (SSO) and other operational personnel to develop specific prelaunch checkout procedures needed to validate the critical elements of the FSS and inform the MRSO of violations or other concerns.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 13 of 45

08/16

b. Monitors and interprets flight safety displays to detect errant vehicles and, if deemed necessary, initiate flight termination based on safety plan termination criteria (mission rules).

c. Directs range command transmitter support personnel during the pre-launch, flight, and post-flight phases of the operation. Initiates emergency commanding procedures if required.

1.2.2.6 Systems Safety Officer (SSO) - supports the FSO and MRSO in verifying FTS readiness during the operation and monitoring of other safety related information available via telemetry. The SSO:

a. Coordinates with the FSO and other personnel to develop specific prelaunch checkout procedures needed to validate elements of the FTS and informs the MRSO of violations or other concerns.

b. Monitors and interprets safety displays and communicates with range personnel to determine the health of on-board and ground-based elements of the FTS.

c. Assists the FSO to direct range command assets to ensure command control over the vehicle as needed throughout flight.

1.2.2.7 Ground Safety Officer (GSO) - implements ground safety requirements in accordance with the ground safety plan and reports ground safety status to the MRSO. During the operation, the GSO:

a. Monitors prelaunch conditions with respect to ground safety launch commit criteria and informs the

MRSO of violations or related concerns.

b. Coordinates with the Operations Safety Specialist (OSS), range, and program/project personnel on pre-launch activities and pad operations.

c. Evaluates proposed deviations to approved hazardous procedures or deviations to vehicle system or ground support system mission constraints for compliance with GSFC-STD-8009 (or tailored version) and recommends approval to the MRSO.

Note: The MRSO may delegate authority to the GSO to grant specific ground safety related deviations for specific missions.

d. Coordinates with protective services and/or Launch Pad Managers (LPMs) to secure launch hazard areas.

Note: The MRSO may perform these functions for some missions without designating a specific

GSO. For example, sounding rocket, balloon, and UAS missions typically do not require a GSO.

1.2.2.8 Operations Safety Specialist (OSS) - provides on-site safety oversight of hazardous operations.

During the operation the OSS:

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 14 of 45

a. Monitors on-site conditions subject to safety plans and operating procedure limits and informs the

MRSO or GSO of violations or other related concerns.

b. Exercises on-site “STOP-WORK” authority if deemed necessary to ensure safety.

1.2.2.9 Surveillance Officer (SO) - coordinates with range surveillance personnel to verify hazard areas are clear and associated launch commit criteria are met. During the operation the SO:

a. Monitors the range surveillance system, which includes air and surface target displays.

b. Operates the range surveillance system and coordinates with surveillance personnel with respect to range surveillance assets.

c. Determines clearance status of debris hazard areas and relays information to the MRSO.

d. Reports ship and aircraft safety risk related information to the MRSO as needed to implement the safety risk criteria.

NOTE: The MRSO may perform SO functions for some operations without designating a specific SO. For example, balloon launches and UAS operations typically do not require a designated SO.

1.2.2.10 Operations Safety Risk Analyst - is responsible for operating analysis tools to assess safety risks associated with launch debris, toxic, and/or Distant Focus Overpressure (DFO) hazards and providing day-of-launch risk assessment results to the MRSO.

Note: A range operation may require one or more analysts depending on the complexity of the mission. The MRSO responds to any inquiries during a launch countdown regarding safety risk assessments using the proper communications channel.

1.2.2.11 Wind Weighting Analyst - performs analysis for unguided suborbital launch operations using day-of-launch measured wind data and vehicle trajectory models to determine launcher settings needed to achieve mission requirements. The Wind Weighting Analyst:

a. Configures the wind-weighting system with the proper wind and vehicle models to perform the real-time analysis.

Note: The flight safety process includes pre-mission analysis to develop the wind and vehicle models. The Deputy Chief of Flight Safety assigns this function to the flight safety analyst for the mission, the wind weighting analyst, or another analyst.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 15 of 45

08/16

b. Coordinates with range personnel to meet the safety schedule for release of pre-launch balloons used to measure wind speed and other data.

c. Creates day-of-launch wind profile from measured data.

d. Monitors launcher-setting variability.

e. Uses a certified system to compute wind effects on vehicle trajectories and the required compensation and provides compensated launcher settings to the MRSO.

f. Monitors specific wind magnitude, wind direction, launcher settings, and launcher variability limits for compliance with mission rules and reports any violation or other related concern to the MRSO.

1.2.2.12 Sky Screen (SS) - observers for a mission using a commanded FTS who provide critical vehicle performance information to the FSO and MRSO immediately following lift-off. A typical mission that uses a commanded FTS at WFF requires the following two SS observers:

a. The Back-Azimuth observer (call sign “Back-AZ”) is located approximately 180 degrees from the launch azimuth. The Back-Azimuth observer monitors the vehicle flight for a gross left or right turn from the nominal trajectory and any other early visual or audio indication of abnormal vehicle performance.

b. The Pitch observer (call sign: “Pitch”) is located approximately perpendicular to the launch azimuth.

The Pitch observer monitors the vehicle flight for any turn backwards and any other early visual or audio indication of abnormal vehicle performance.

1.2.3 Range and Program/Project Management Roles

1.2.3.1 NASA Program or Project Manager (PM) – The PM coordinates with the range user, program or project, and the WFF Safety Office to provide mission specific data and participates in a cooperative effort to implement the range safety process. The PM is responsible for submission of any requests for relief from range safety requirements per the process defined in Chapter 3 of this PG. The PM may represent the range user during requirements relief discussions and present mission benefits that warrant acceptance of risk by the WFF Director. NPD 8700.1, NASA Policy for Safety and Mission Success, outlines additional PM responsibilities.

1.2.3.2 NASA Campaign Manager (CM) and/or Mission Manager (MM) – The CM and MM are mission management positions that are applicable when conducting operations at ranges and launch locations other than WFF. The CM and MM roles and responsibilities are essentially the same as a PM.

Mission specific safety plans identify the specific positions with responsibility for implementing WFF safety policy, criteria, requirements, and planning when operating at ranges and launch sites other than

WFF.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 16 of 45

08/16

1.2.3.3 NASA Test Director (TD) – The TD coordinates with operational personnel to verify all range requirements are satisfied during the countdown and provides the WFF range final GO for launch. The

TD:

a. Requests clearances (both air and surface) and coordinates the issuance of Notice to Airmen

(NOTAM), Altitude Reservation (ALTREV), and Notice to Mariners (NOTMAR) for hazard areas defined in the flight and ground safety plans.

b. Requests Collision Avoidance (COLA) assessments and provides results and associated wait times to the MRSO.

c. Coordinates clearance for hazardous operations (e.g. Radio Frequency (RF) Avoidance and/or RF

Silence).

d. Executes the launch countdown in conjunction with the Range Operations Assistant (ROA).

e. Provides approval to radiate open loop on Ultra High Frequency (UHF) command frequencies (i.e.

420-425 MHz).

1.2.3.4 Launch Pad Manager (LPM) – The LPM provides oversight and coordination of all operations occurring on a launch pad. The LPM (or equivalent):

a. Maintains the boundary of the perimeter of any hazard area created by any operation conducted on

Wallops Island.

b. Coordinates with the OSS on hazard and hazard area protection.

c. Communicates status to and from the launch pad during all operations. Communicates launch pad status to the Range Control Center (RCC).

d. Ensures the appropriate people and equipment are present at the launch pad.

Note: NASA and tenant organizations operate launch pads at WFF. NASA personnel, tenant personnel, or a combined effort in accordance with the applicable agreements may perform the

LPM functions.

1.3 Range Safety Process Elements

1.3.1 Range Safety Process and Support to Programs/Projects

The range safety process and the associated range safety support provided by the WFF Safety Office are essential to the overall success of all programs/projects under the cognizance of WFF. Significant hazards and associated safety risks are often inherent to ground and flight tests and other range operations. The range safety process includes evaluation of the hazards, assessment of the associated

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 17 of 45

08/16 safety risk, risk mitigation, and implementation of criteria and processes for acceptance of residual risk.

The WFF Safety Office provides range safety expertise and oversees implementation of the range safety process for each program/project. The steps outlined in this section are mostly applicable to rocket and large scientific balloon operations. Other range operations (e.g., UAS) may have a more streamlined approach developed in coordination between the program/project and the WFF Safety Office. The WFF

Safety Office may adjust the range safety support it provides based on mission needs and works closely with program/project personnel to ensure an effective and efficient range safety process for each mission.

A program or project has the option to perform some elements of the range safety process internally versus having them performed by the WFF Safety Office. For example, a program/project may perform safety analyses and develop the associated mitigations. In this case, the WFF Safety Office will assign appropriate personnel to provide oversight and act as the review/approval authority to ensure safety independence. A program/project must present alternative approaches to accomplishing any element of the range safety process early in mission planning, and must obtain approval from the WFF Safety

Office Chief. The same technical and documentation standards followed by WFF apply to an alternative approach.

Figure 1 identifies the major elements of the range safety process and the key WFF Safety Office activities performed in support of programs/projects.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 18 of 45

Figure 1 – Range Safety Process

Project Planning Requirements Tailoring

Task Assignments (Par. 1.3.3)

Safety Participation Review and

Approval

Conduct Operation(s) (Par. 1.3.8)

Post-Operation Safety Process

(Par. 1.3.9)

Pass Review

Certification

Yes Prep

No

Safety Personnel Assignments Tailored Safety Requirements Tailored Safety Review Requirements Tailored Data Schedule Tailored Analysis Schedule Tailored Flight Safety System Requirements

Flight Safety System Development and

Preliminary Approval (Par. 1.3.6)

Flight Safety Process (Analysis and

Planning) (Par. 1.3.5)

Ground Safety Process

(Analysis and Planning) (Par 1.3.4)

Flight Safety RARs FSPs FSDPs ELS/Waivers

Req. Systems FSS Performance Requirements

Ground Safety RARs GSPs GSDPs ELS/Waivers

Action Items

Ops Plans/Checklists Contingency Plans WW System Configuration Display Configuration FTS/AFTS Certification Range Safety Graphics Certification Surveillance System Certification Tracking System Certification Safety Personnel Certification

Hazardous Procedure Approval RARs Independent Assessments ELS/Waivers

Post-Mission Brief Lessons Learned Corrective Actions

Operation Day FSS Verification Safety Monitor Procedure Audit Flight Control Incident Response

Technical Interchange w/Project

Technical Interchange Technical

Interchange

Technical Interchange

Project Request for WFF Safety Office Support

(Par.1.3.2)

Mission Safety Planning, Certifications, and Readiness

Reviews (Par. 1.3.7)

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 19 of 45

1.3.2 Project Requests for Safety Office Support

a. The project (Program/Project Manager or designee) requesting safety support shall coordinate with the WFF Safety Office Business Manager to request services and provide the following as a minimum:

(1) Description of services required

(2) Designated point of contact

(3) Time frame

(4) Source of funding for the project

Note: Initial informal discussions with the WFF Safety Office regarding a proposed program/project may take place in a number of different forums with various members of WFF

Safety Office Management. The program/project will work with the WFF Safety Office Business

Manager when ready to begin formal work on the range safety process. The WFF Safety Office maintains a project request form (available upon request) that identifies the complete set of information needed to develop safety support cost estimates and assure appropriate assignment of safety personnel for each project.

b. The WFF Safety Office Chief will assign a WFF Safety Office POC who has overall responsibility for coordinating with the program/project and facilitating the range safety process. The WFF Safety

Office POC shall assist WFF Safety Office Management in development of cost estimates and establishment of the safety support for the project (as needed).

c. The WFF Safety Office POC shall provide the customer with the name(s) of the WFF Safety Office personnel who will be supplying the services required.

d. WFF Safety Office personnel assigned to a project shall contact the customer’s designated POC to begin their participation in the project and implementation of other aspects of the range safety process.

1.3.3 Range Safety Involvement in Project Planning

Early planning and regular coordination between all participants in a range program/project helps to ensure against late system and process changes and the associated cost and schedule impacts. The focus of following process requirements is on establishing the necessary working relationship between the

WFF Safety Office and the program/project, identifying key mutual requirements, and early tailoring of the range safety support specifically needed for each project.

a. Program/project managers shall supply initiating program/project data to the WFF Safety Office.

GSFC-STD-8009 contains standard data requirements, which the Safety Office may tailor based on program/project applicability.

b. The WFF Safety Office shall estimate data requirements, analysis level of effort, operation requirements, and documentation requirements within each safety discipline needed and provide this to the program/project manager.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 20 of 45

c. The WFF Safety Office Chief, Deputy for Flight Safety, and Deputy for Ground Safety shall coordinate to assign safety personnel appropriate to each program/project. In addition to the POC assigned per Section 1.3.2.b, this typically involves the assignment of a Ground Safety Analyst, Flight

Safety Analysts, and a MRSO as a minimum. Depending on the mission, operational safety roles such as defined in Sections 1.2.2.4 – 1.2.2.12 may be determined closer to the execution phase of the range

d. The assigned safety personnel shall work with the program/project team as needed to identify the applicable range safety processes and requirements of this document and GSFC-STD-8009 and consider any unique requirements and/or alternative safety approaches. This process is also known as tailoring.

e. The PM (or equivalent) shall ensure the overall schedule of activities for each program/project incorporates all safety related steps and products shown in the flow diagram in Figure 2.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 21 of 45

Figure 2 Range Safety Project Planning Activities

Project Introduction

WFF Safety Office Project Familiarization

General Data Requirements

Definition

Preliminary Data Review and Analysis

Range Safety Process Tailoring

Questionnaires Prelim data/analysis schedule Prelim FSS requirements

Ground Safety Process (Section 1.3.4) Flight Safety Process (Section 1.3.5) AFTS Certification (803-PG-8715.1.16)

Range User Orientation

Tailored Design Requirements Tailored data/analysis schedule Tailored FSS requirements Document delivery schedule Safety review schedule

Detailed Data Review and

Analysis

Preliminary Technical Interchange

Safety Assignments

Working Level Technical Interchange

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 22 of 45

08/16

1.3.4 Ground Safety (GS) Process (Analysis and Planning)

The GS safety process involves the assessment of hazards and safety risks from ground processing activities. This includes processing of flight vehicles and payloads, mission preparation procedures leading up to flight, and any post-flight or recovery activities conducted under the authority of WFF.

The process covers both analysis and planning to mitigate and control hazards to minimize risk to personnel and property.

a. The GS safety analysis is based on data provided by the program/project in accordance with the timeline specified in GSFC-STD-8009. The analysis shall:

(1) Identify all known hazards associated with the range operation.

(2) Ensure proper implementation of safety design criteria and hazardous systems are compliant with the technical requirements of GSFC-STD-8009 (or tailored version).

(3) Provide the basis for establishing safe operating procedures and operational requirements to minimize hazard exposure to the public, personnel, and property.

(4) Identify and qualify residual risks using the Risk Assessment Code (RAC) matrix and the guidelines identified in Chapter 2.

b. The Deputy Chief of Ground Safety (or designee) shall assign a GS Analyst as part of the program/project planning process described in Section 1.3.3, Range Safety Involvement in Project

Planning.

c. The GS Analyst and program/project representative shall coordinate in technical interchange activities where the program/project supplies vehicle/ground support equipment configuration data, hazardous systems data, hazardous procedures, etc. as defined in GSFC-STD-8009.

Note: The WFF Safety Office maintains and provides programs/projects with data sheet templates that identify the needed ground safety related information.

d. The GS Analyst shall document the analysis approach and results in the form of a GS Risk Analysis

Report (RAR), and GSP or Ground Safety Data Package (GSDP) where applicable that demonstrates compliance with the requirements of this document and GSFC-STD-8009 or tailored version. The GS

RAR provides the results of the analysis and includes engineering calculations for respective danger areas. The GSP identifies the controls and mitigations required to ensure the risks identified in the GS

RAR remain at acceptable levels. For operations conducted at other launch locations where WFF is not the range safety authority, the GS Analyst shall develop a GSDP in lieu of a plan. The GSDP provides necessary information to the local range safety authority for use in developing their GSP (or equivalent) for the operation. The ground safety documentation shall include at a minimum:

(1) Hazardous system categorization and the mitigating methods or devices to adequately contain and/or control the hazard and protect non-participating personnel should an inadvertent actuation or other hazard event.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 23 of 45

08/16

Note: This applies to all hazardous systems including but not limited to explosives, chemical systems, pressure systems, cryogenic systems, battery systems, and RF transmitters.

(2) Hazardous system danger areas and their implementation, restrictions, and list of responsible personnel. Common danger areas for a typical range operation include:

(a) Pre-Launch Danger Area (PLDA), which applies during vehicle staging and hazardous operations on the launch pad such as preliminary arming.

(b) Launch Danger Area (LDA), which applies when there are less than two inhibits for the vehicle initiating circuit, which typically occurs after final arming.

(c) Launch Hazard Area (LHA) applies for some launches to define where specific people (generally observers) may be located at the time of launch.

Note: For rocket vehicles, final arming occurs within a few minutes of launch. The range, project, or program may choose to enforce the LDA in advance of final arming to further ensure a clear range at lift off.

(3) Hazard analyses and calculations used to define danger/hazard areas.

(4) RF avoidance times for non-ionizing controls.

(5) RF transmitter related analyses and resulting standoff distances, such as Hazards of Electromagnetic

Radiation to Ordnance (HERO), Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Fuel (HERF), and Hazards of

Electromagnetic Radiation to Personnel (HERP).

(6) Hazard areas associated with the potential for a chemical spill (if applicable to the operation).

(7) Range-user, program, or project supplied Hazard Analysis Reports (HAR).

Note: The WFF Safety Office maintains templates for developing GS RARs, GSPs, and GSDPs.

The templates contain guidance for preparing each document and identify the data that are required in each section. The templates help to ensure a consistent approach to developing ground safety documentation. The templates are available to any program or project that elects to prepare ground safety documents for review and approval by the WFF Safety Office.

e. The GS Analyst shall review hazardous procedures and systems for compliance with GSFC-STD-

8009 requirements (or tailored version) and work with the programs/projects to resolve related concerns.

f. The Deputy for Ground Safety shall assign a technical peer review as part of the development and approval of each ground safety analysis and plan.

g. The GS Analyst and MRSO shall coordinate to ensure the procedures and requirements identified in the GSP are operationally feasible.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 24 of 45

08/16

h. The Deputy for Ground Safety shall ensure successful completion of the ground safety process for each mission and approve all ground safety analyses and plans.

i. The GS Analyst shall coordinate with the range and the program/project to ensure that the ground safety process incorporates the elements shown in Figure 3 and to obtain TD, program/project, and range user concurrences on ground safety documentation.

j. The MRSO shall brief the results of the ground safety analysis at program/project reviews (e.g., at

Mission Readiness Reviews, Range Readiness Reviews, and Launch Readiness Reviews) with support from the GS Analyst.

Note: For some projects (e.g. small UAS) and range operations with limited hazards that can be fully contained (e.g., dropping a test article from an aircraft to a cleared target area), the WFF

Safety Office may elect to prepare a Range Safety Plan (RSP) that combines the elements of ground safety and flight safety documents into one analysis/plan document. In such cases, the assigned lead engineer/analyst works with other ground and/or flight safety personnel as needed to address the hazards associated with the range operation.

DIRECTIVE NO. 800-PG-8715.5.1A Page 25 of 45

Figure 3 Ground Safety Process (Analysis and Planning)

Review and Analysis Identify and review hazardous systems Perform hazard analysis and systems safety assessments as required Define danger/hazard areas Define safe operating limits Review hazardous procedures Assess compliance with GSFC-STD-8009

System or Process Compliant with Safety

Requirements Can

Modify

Modify System or Process

Relief…