Patterns & Metaphors
Launching a spacecraft
Template:
For a spacecraft to be placed in orbit around the Earth or to escape its gravitational domination, it must be launched with sufficient acceleration to acquire escape velocity within the constraints of propulsion systems. Three stages of propulsion systems may be ignited successively. If the acceleration is too low, much propellant is required. If it is too high, the stresses on the spacecraft may be too great.
Metaphor:
Projects, programmes and initiatives are launched, possibly in several stages. For an initiative to 'take off', it must acquire its own dynamic independent of the, setting from which it arises or else it will be absorbed back into the dynamics of that setting.
[Features] A successful launch necessitates the design of a complex set of interconnected systems.
[Contrast] Whilst a few major programmes are launched with attention to the complexity of the interconnected systems involved, in general there is little awareness that such attention to detail is necessary.
[Keys] Infra-structure required to assemble the propulsion system in space and time; ground control requirement; amount of energy required to get a significant mass into orbit; discarding used stages; launch windows.<
