Team Showcase: Team Pictures

2004 Team Showcase Runner-up

Region Three Orbiter Tile Team United Space Alliance Kennedy Space Center, FL [Press Release]

The Space Shuttle Orbiter is protected from the heat of re-entry by various materials, primarily heat-resistant tiles, blankets, and panels. Post flight inspections identify tiles that need to be replaced; these tiles are removed and new tiles are manufactured. This is an expensive, time-consuming and labor-intensive process with high rework rates involving many different departments. The Tile R&R Team followed the Lean Six Sigma DMAIC improvement model and made extensive use of statistical analysis to identify the primary causes of process variation. To validate the potential solutions prior to making any changes to this critical process, the team used a simulation model to ensure the success and ultimate savings. Forecasted results include a 25% improvement in cycle time, 50% reduction in scrap rate, and 25% reduction in rework; this is a significant savings in NPV (Net Present Value) over 5 years for shuttle operations.

Counties in Region 3: Brevard, Indian River, Lake, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Polk, St. Lucie, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia