Risk Management in Space Activities: Reproduction of Validated Routines

This paper puts forward a new way to manage risk in case of unaffordable disasters and failures. Using the example of space activities and High Reliability Organisation frameworks, we will show that the reproduction of validated routines may be a major way for organisations to exhibit high levels reliability. In order to face high levels of risk, large space organisations have developed a rigorous knowledge codification and tend to reproduce routines within the phase of project planning and in the context of firm relationships. Reproduction of validated routines is a relevant tool to mitigate risk and to manufacture reliable technical systems. Key words: Risk management; Reliability; Failures; High Reliability Organisations; Space activities