The Intelligent Synthesis Environment (ISE) being developed by NASA, the University of Virginia and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for significantly enhancing the rapid creation of innovative affordable products and missions is described. ISE uses a synergistic combination of leading-edge technologies, including high performance computing, high capacity communications and networking, human-centered computing, knowledge-based engineering, computational intelligence, virtual product development, and product information management. The environment will link scientists, design teams, manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants who participate in the mission synthesis as well as in the creation and operation of the aerospace system. It will radically advance the process by which complex science missions are synthesized, and high-tech engineering systems are designed, manufactured and operated. The five major components critical to ISE and some of their subelements are described; namely, human-centered computing, infrastructure for distributed collaboration, rapid synthesis and simulation tools, life cycle integration and validation, and cultural change in the creative process. Related U.S. government programs are outlined and the future impact of ISE on engineering research and education is discussed.

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