
Prof. Olivier L de Weck
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets
Primary DLC
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Technology Management
Astronautics and Space Logistics
Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
Remote Sensing
Earth Observation
Research Summary
Here are some of the questions we - and our research sponsors - are asking:
(*) Is the system reliable and does it perform robustly over a range of future operating conditions? What is its useful lifetime?
(*) How easy is it to upgrade or change the system by adding new functions, different features, infusing new technologies or scaling it up in size?
(*) How do man-made systems like roads and rail lines, electrical power grids, airline networks etc... evolve over time and are there predictable patterns to such evolution?
(*) Is it possible to develop new versions or variants from a manufactured product for new markets? How expensive or profitable is that ?
(*) How does the underlying architecture of a system, its complexity and degree of modularity or decentralization impact its lifecycle properties such as its flexibility to evolve?
(*) When does a system become obsolete or too complex and when it is time to retire it and replace it with a new system? How do you optimally introduce a new system, while continuing to operate the old one?
(*) What is the future of our technological human civilization on Earth? What does it take to explore space in a sustained way? What are the real requirements for long term space exploration campaigns, and eventually for building and operating planetary colonies?
The SERG Group answers some of these questions in rigorous and quantiative ways, developing new integrated approaches based on the principles of systems architecture and systems engineering, design theory, complexity science, management of technology, project management, as well as strategy and economics.
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Projects
June 29, 2017Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Managed, Reconfigurable, In-space Nodal Assembly (MARINA)
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
September 27, 2016Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsSpaceNet
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
December 12, 2013Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsProduct Platforms and Commonality
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
December 12, 2013Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsSpace Systems Logistics
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
December 12, 2013Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsIntegrated Modeling and Simulation
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
December 12, 2013Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsSystem Lifecycle Properties (the "Ilities")
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
November 20, 2013Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsIntegrated Energy Decision Support System (IEDSS)
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
November 20, 2013Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsUrban Traffic System (UTS)
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
November 20, 2013Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsCyber Security Initiative (CSI)
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
October 1, 2013Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsMultidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO)
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
May 15, 2012Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsRequirements Engineering for Sustainable Systems
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
January 11, 2012Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsMIT-Switzerland Program (MISTI)
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
July 27, 2011Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsCenter for Complex Engineering Systems (CCES) at KACST and MIT
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
October 1, 2008Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsStrategic Engineering Research Group (SERG): Designing Systems for an Uncertain Future
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
October 1, 2008Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsSystems Architecture and Engineering
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
December 14, 2007Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsThe Council of Engineering Systems Universities (CESUN)
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
July 23, 2007Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsGordon-MIT Engineering Leadership Program (GELP)
Principal Investigator Olivier de Weck
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Books
Publication date: June 21, 2022Books
Technology Roadmapping and Development: A Quantitative Approach to the Management of Technology
Publication date: January 6, 2012BooksEngineering Systems: Meeting Human Needs in a Complex Technological World
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Video
2024 MIT R&D Conference: Track 1 - Space - Earth to Orbit: An Update on the Global Launch Industry
Earth-to-Orbit: An Update on the Global Launch Industry
Olivier de Weck
Apollo Program Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT AeroAstroReaching Earth's orbit is an extremely energetic event. To remain in orbit requires a velocity of about 8 km/s, which corresponds to a specific energy of 30 MJ per kilogram. Since 1957 humans have been able to launch themselves as well as artificial satellites into orbit at increasing frequencies. This talk will give an update on the current state of launch vehicle technologies and this important and enabling part of the space sector. In 2023, for example, there were 222 launch attempts worldwide, of which 95% were successful. Assuming a CAGR of 12%, we predict that by 2027, there will be daily launches to space from somewhere on Earth's surface. This talk will summarize some of the physics, technologies, and economics of the launch vehicle industry.
2.15.24-Tech-Strategy-Management-webinar
Developing and Managing a Successful Technology Strategy
Technology Road Mapping and Development: A Quantitative Approach to the Management of Technology 2.15.24-Tech-Strategy-Management-deWeck
Technology Road Mapping and Development: A Quantitative Approach to the Management of Technology 2021-Digital-Oliver-deWeck
Olivier de Weck
Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Engineering Systems
Editor-in-Chief of the journal Systems Engineering
Executive Director, MIT Production in the Innovation Economy (PIE) Study
Co-Director, Center for Complex Engineering Systems at KACST and MIT
Secretary and Treasurer, Council of Engineering Systems Universities (CESUN)2020 Future of Manufacturing - Olivier de Weck
MIT Production in the Innovation Economy Study: Lessons Learned in the Epoch of COVID-19
2020 Future of Manufacturing - Olivier de Weck Olivier de Weck - 2019 RD Conference
Staircase to Utopia: Advances in Technology Roadmapping
This presentation will present a new state of the art framework for technology roadmapping based on a similar approach implemented at Airbus from 2016-2018 and demonstrated using the example of stratospheric solar-powered electric aircraft. The framework includes four steps beginning with a quantitative assessment of the current state of technology and competitive analysis and concludes with a risk-optimized R&D portfolio with specific Figure-of-Merit (FOM) based targets. The presentation will summarize the 17 technologies for which roadmaps are being developed in Fall 2019 as part of MIT’s new graduate class 16.887/EM.427 on Technology Roadmapping and Development.2019 MIT Research and Development Conference
Future Proofing: Engineering for Change
Olivier de Weck
Professor of Aeronautics & Astronautics and Engineering Systems