Skip to main content

Implications of Joint NASA/DOD Participation in Space Shuttle Operations

NSIAD-84-13 Published: Nov 07, 1983. Publicly Released: Nov 23, 1983.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided its assessment of joint National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Department of Defense (DOD) participation in space shuttle operations and Air Force activities concerned with developing and acquiring a dedicated DOD shuttle operations control facility.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Congress should consider requiring the reestablishment of a mechanism similar to the disbanded National Aeronautics and Space Council, as discussed in an Office of Technology Assessment report, to obtain high level attention to space matters and achieve balanced agency interaction.
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
National Aeronautics and Space Administration The Administrator, NASA, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, should assist Congress by expediting efforts to define how a fully operational shuttle program will be managed and controlled in the future. Such a definition should include: (1) agency roles and responsibilities; (2) performance criteria for the shuttle system which clearly define both the defense and civil capabilities and interoperability requirements; and (3) alternatives for providing backup capability for the DOD space program.
Closed – Implemented
A September 1, 1985, Audit Report Tracking System update discusses several initiatives that have been completed or will soon be completed that satisfy this recommendation.
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should direct the Air Force to defer shuttle operations and planning complex implementation until NASA and DOD fully identify the systems configuration needed to support a fully operational shuttle system.
Closed – Not Implemented
DOD does not intend to defer SOPC implementation because it believes that the SOPC configuration to support a fully operational shuttle system currently exists. DOD indicated that deferring would interrupt a competitive design phase currently in process and would prevent determination of the final system configuration and costs.
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should direct the Air Force to establish and validate functional system requirements which accurately reflect the DOD full exploitation operational concept, taking into consideration the eventual shuttle operations system configuration.
Closed – Implemented
Even though the Air Force claims to have validated SOPC system requirements, these requirements have been developed based on the overall DOD strategy to replicate the current NASA shuttle planning and control systems. Requirements based on this replication strategy will not allow DOD to satisfy unique interfaces and to incorporate more complex shuttle/payload operations.

Full Report

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Aerospace researchAgency missionsCost sharing (finance)Facility securityInformation systemsInteragency relationsNational defense operationsProgram managementResearch and developmentSpace explorationCivilian space operationsSpace shuttles