Creating a breakthrough invention: NASA’s internal knowledge generation for the Space Shuttle

How do organizations create a breakthrough invention by attaining the aspiration level of each performance attribute in the invention? Using an in-depth, historically grounded single-case study of the first reusable spacecraft, the Space Shuttle, we illustrate how NASA generated knowledge through two core mechanisms. First, through oscillation, they attained the aspiration level of a performance attribute before intentionally stepping away and returning to that goal later. Second, through accumulation, they attained the respective aspiration level of a limited number of performance attributes in a design and, over multiple design iterations, generated the knowledge to attain the aspiration level of each of the performance attributes. The findings highlight how knowledge generation at the intersection of oscillation and accumulation underpins breakthrough invention. While the literature has explored oscillation and accumulation separately, through our qualitative study, we uncover a knowledge generation process that integrates both mechanisms. In summary, our exploration of NASA's internal knowledge generation in creating the Space Shuttle advances existing literature by providing new insights into the search for satisficing solutions.