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RandomFactor writes:

The building of the R3D2 satellite, which launched without incident in March, for the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) has been discussed here previously.

However an interesting facet of the little satellite is that not only was it, of course, a satellite proving out a new technology (a membrane antenna) while in space, it was also a proof of concept that demonstrated faster, leaner processes on the ground.

Northrop Grumman completed the construction — from concept to spaceflight — in only 20 months, far shorter than the traditional timeline of years, Northrop Grumman representatives said in a statement. To reach that speed, the company said, the defense agency allowed for "greater levels of risk than is typical for an operational system," according to the statement; DARPA worked with Northrop Grumman to accept fewer requirements, reviews and deliverables during the construction than on a usual project.

"Our team's success with the R3D2 program is a strong proof of concept that the rapid development of future space capabilities is possible," Scott Stapp, the company's vice president of resiliency and rapid prototyping, said in the statement. "Taking thoughtful risks and eliminating bureaucracy allowed us to streamline our processes to achieve rapid timelines," he added.

Northrop Grumman plans to continue applying the fast construction lessons learned on R3D2 for future missions related to national security going forward, and to "lead the cultural change necessary in the industry".

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