Weather Satellites: Action Needed to Resolve Status of the U.S. Geostationary Satellite Program
NSIAD-91-252
Published: Jul 24, 1991. Publicly Released: Aug 07, 1991.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) joint efforts to develop and acquire the next generation of geostationary weather satellites, GOES-Next, focusing on: (1) cost, schedule, and technical status; (2) reasons for program problems that led to cost increases and schedule delays; and (3) options available for preventing a gap in U.S. geostationary weather satellite coverage.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| In view of the continuing technical problems in the GOES-Next Program, Congress should direct NASA and NOAA to report by the end of FY 1991 on their progress in resolving existing problems and the time frame and cost for achieving proposed solutions. FY 1992 funds for the production and testing of GOES-Next satellites should be withheld until a favorable solution is identified and reported to Congress. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
NOAA requested a technical evaluation of the contractor's recovery plan. The assessment was completed in September 1991, after which the Secretary of Commerce restructured the program. No congressional action was needed. |
| Congress should direct NOAA to develop a plan identifying the actions NOAA intends to take should it lose satellite coverage during the period of transition from its GOES-7 to future satellite operations. The action plan should, at a minimum, consider the near-term and long-term benefits, risks, timing, and cost of each alternative identified by GAO and NOAA. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
Action on this recommendation was dependent on action on the previous recommendation. After the restructuring by the Department of Commerce, no congressional action was taken. |
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Topics
Aerospace contractsContract performanceCost overrunsForeign technical aidGeosynchronous satellitesInteragency relationsInternational relationsProgram managementSpace explorationWeather forecasting