Skip to main content

Military Space Programs: Opportunities to Reduce Missile Warning and Communication Satellites' Costs

T-NSIAD-94-108 Published: Feb 02, 1994. Publicly Released: Feb 02, 1994.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

GAO discussed the status and future plans for the Department of Defense's (DOD) Defense Support Program (DSP) and Milstar satellite communications system. GAO noted that: (1) DOD has decided to terminate and replace its current DSP follow-on program to reduce costs and consider new tactical requirements; (2) DOD needs to evaluate the new DSP system's effectiveness and affordability before systems implementation in 1995; (3) DOD has placed greater emphasis on reducing Milstar's high cost and increasing its support to tactical forces; (4) DOD could significantly reduce program costs by cancelling its procurement of the two large-sized satellites and initiating early development of a lower cost system of smaller satellites; and (5) further cost reductions can only be achieved if DOD changes its procurement, operation, and use of space assets.

Full Report

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Command and control systemsCommunication satellitesDefense appropriationsDefense contingency planningDefense cost controlDefense procurementLife cycle costsMilitary satellitesProcurement practicesSystems evaluation