Warranting System Validity Through a Holistic Validation Framework: A Research Agenda

Abstract

The integrity of validation of launch systems produced in the United States is challenged by changes in launch vehicle acquisition policy. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) adopted the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) acquisition model in 2006. Affordability‐driven flexibility enabled by significant regulation reduction engenders the same loss of insight and control the USAF found unacceptable in the 1990's. COTS‐type acquisition accepts such risk, but amplifies concerns that validation criteria are not well justified. This paper describes sources of confusion over the selection and justification of validation criteria in systems engineering. A notional holistic validation framework orients research efforts towards engineering rational and defensible strategies. A specific research agenda to examine the role of validation in dialectic is stated. Argumentation in anticipation of system performance suggests that modeling relations from Rosen's anticipatory systems theory apply to the elements in Toulmin's model of argument. Theory produced will enable rational justification of validation criteria in launch system acquisition.

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