For each of NASA's cutting-edge projects and tasks, there are frequently many possible technological approaches competing to be funded and developed. Selecting those that offer the best chances of success within the constraints of budget and schedule is a challenging task in itself.

START (STrategic Assessment of Risk and Technology) offers systems for quantifying the features of each technology, assessing its risk, calculating the probable return-on-investment, and using the results to compare candidates for development. These systems can be invaluable tools for selecting technologies, monitoring and guiding their development, and optimizing mission success.