Space Projects: Astrophysics Facility Program Contains Cost and Technical Risks
NSIAD-94-80
Published: Jan 28, 1994. Publicly Released: Jan 28, 1994.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) program, focusing on the: (1) reasonableness of the NASA program cost estimate; and (2) extent that the redesigned program will provide scientific returns comparable to the original program.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
---|---|---|
National Aeronautics and Space Administration | The Administrator, NASA, should review the AXAF-I development program to determine whether funding reserves are realistic in light of the program's uncertainty and risk. |
Closed – Implemented
GAO recommended that NASA assess the adequacy of AXAF-I funding reserves. NASA has done so.
|
National Aeronautics and Space Administration | The Administrator, NASA, should review the AXAF-I development program to determine whether the AXAF-I payload classification is prudent given the complexity, costs, and lack of repair capability inherent in the new design. |
Closed – Implemented
GAO recommended that NASA assess the appropriateness of the AXAF-I payload classification. NASA has agreed to do so.
|
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Topics
Aerospace engineeringAerospace researchCost controlMission budgetingProduct evaluationResearch and development costsSatellitesSpace explorationTestingCost estimates