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Space Shuttle: NASA Must Reduce Costs Further to Operate Within Future Projected Funds

NSIAD-95-118 Published: Jun 15, 1995. Publicly Released: Aug 01, 1995.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) efforts to reduce space shuttle operating costs, focusing on the: (1) potential for further cost reductions; and (2) impact of cost reductions on shuttle safety.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
National Aeronautics and Space Administration The Administrator, NASA, should specifically identify any significant unresolved reductions that remain so that Congress can provide oversight and make informed budget decisions.
Closed – Not Implemented
NASA claims that it has eliminated all unresolved budget reductions and, therefore, there is nothing to report.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration The Administrator, NASA, should request an independent organization, such as the National Research Council, to review significant cost reduction actions to be taken in the future. This organization could bring added objectivity because it would not be subject to the same cost reduction measures that all NASA employees are experiencing.
Closed – Implemented
NASA requested that the Aerospace Safety Advisory Council review the cost reduction actions that NASA should take in the future. The Council's report was issued in November 1996.

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Topics

Aerospace researchBudget cutsCost controlFiscal yearFuture budget projectionsLabor costsMission budgetingPresidential budgetsSafetySpace exploration