Q: (Initially posted on February 14, 2003) FROM MENTEE ALEXIS K. IN VA
I recently heard that each space mission requires about 15,000 people to
make it happen, Is this true?

February 21, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR BARB KONTOGIANNIS IN CO
I don't have an exact number to quote, but that is probably not
unreasonable for a space launch - if you look at the whole chain of events.
I work with expendable launch vehicles, so I'll use that as an example.
Here's what goes into launching a rocket that is already designed:

1) Buying and building the hardware (individual pieces) involves more than
one hundred suppliers, at say 100 people each. Some companies have more
people working on space vehicle parts, like the ones that build the engines
or the main guidance and navigation computers, and some have fewer. Let's
estimate 10,000 people.
2) Then the rocket has to be assembled and tested. It takes roughly 2000
people to do that.
3) Launch site preparations and actually launching a rocket takes on the
order of 1000 people.
4) There are also people involved around the world in tracking the vehicle,
and the FAA and Air Force is often involved from a safety standpoint, so add
another couple hundred.
5) And we can't forget the few thousand people that designed and built the
payload (spacecraft) or instruments/experiments being delivered to space.

Altogether, this rough estimate is in the ballpark of the 15,000 people
number you have heard. If you also consider the initial concept and design
work, the number of people involved continues to grow. Space launch is an
exciting and interesting field, and it does take a lot of people to make
everything come together for a successful mission.