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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