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Aerospace Testing: Promise of Closer NASA/DOD Cooperation Remains Largely Unfulfilled

NSIAD-98-52 Published: Mar 11, 1998. Publicly Released: Mar 11, 1998.
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Highlights

GAO reviewed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) and Department of Defense's (DOD) cooperation in developing a national perspective on aerospace test facilities, focusing on: (1) the extent to which NASA/DOD working groups on major test facilities have been operating on a regular basis; (2) NASA's and DOD's actions in response to a future need to test an engine for new Air Force rockets; (3) whether NASA and DOD prepared a congressionally required joint plan on rocket propulsion test facilities; and (4) whether NASA and DOD are implementing a DOD assessment team's recommendation in March 1997 to jointly manage with NASA certain aeronautical test facilities.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Congressional intent, as reflected in the statutory requirement for joint planning of rocket propulsion test facilities, is not being fully met by NASA and DOD. Congress may wish to consider reaffirming its intention in this regard and extend its joint planning requirement to other types of aerospace test facilities, including a requirement that NASA and DOD assess the possible extension of joint management of aeronautical facilities to other types of test facilities, especially rocket propulsion.
Closed – Not Implemented
There is interest on various congressional committees in fostering greater NASA/DOD cooperation on aerospace test facilities through the use of NASA/DOD joint working groups or alliances. These alliances are now functioning, consequently a legislative remedy is no longer applicable.

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Aerospace engineeringAerospace researchBase realignmentsCost effectiveness analysisFederal downsizingInteragency relationsJoint venturesOperational testingResearch and developmentTest facilities