How To Make Something Simple Into Something Complex

Reader note: “Attached is a flowchart showing the process for getting someone in our department at MSFC approved to attend or present a paper at a conference. Unbelievably ridiculous.”

NASA Policy on the Release of Information to News and Information Media

“This directive sets forth policy governing the release of public information, which is defined as information in any form provided to news and information media, especially information that has the potential to generate significant media, or public interest or inquiry. Examples include, but are not limited to, press releases, media advisories, news features, and web postings. Not included under this definition are scientific and technical reports, web postings designed for technical or scientific interchange, and technical information presented at professional meetings or in professional journals.“

Editor’s note: It would seem that the process whereby professional presentations are approved also needs to be revisited. This chart looks more like an overview of rendezvous and docking software than a management procedure.