Comments on the Solar Power Satellite Research, Development, and Demonstration Program Act of 1978
EMD-78-61: Published: Apr 13, 1978. Publicly Released: Apr 13, 1978.
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The Solar Power Satellite Research, Development, and Demonstration Program Act of 1978 would establish a program in the Department of Energy (DOE) to pursue research, development, and demonstration of solar power satellites (SPS) as a major source of energy. Enacting legislation for such a program at this time with the expectation of demonstrating such systems in the near future is premature. Technical, environmental, economic, and institutional issues surrounding SPS systems have not been adequately investigated, and supporting technologies such as the space shuttle and photovoltaic energy systems are years away from being useful in deploying SPS systems. Under existing legislation, the DOE has initiated a SPS Concept Development and Evaluation Program to formulate a better understanding of the SPS concept. This program was begun in fiscal year 1977, and about $7.6 million has been obligated for carrying out the program through 1978. Program activities are expected to result in the formulation of program recommendations by June 1980 either to continue further study, field testing, and possibly space testing, or to terminate the program. The scope of DOE's ongoing program appears sufficient to gain a better understanding of the issues surrounding SPS systems. After these studies are completed, a better basis will exist for evaluating the pros and cons of a costly SPS development program.
Jul 11, 2018
NASA Commercial Crew Program:
Plan Needed to Ensure Uninterrupted Access to the International Space StationGAO-18-476: Published: Jul 11, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 11, 2018.
Jun 14, 2018
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NASA Major Projects:
Portfolio Is at Risk for Continued Cost Growth and Schedule DelaysGAO-18-576T: Published: Jun 14, 2018. Publicly Released: Jun 14, 2018.
May 1, 2018
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NASA:
Assessments of Major ProjectsGAO-18-280SP: Published: May 1, 2018. Publicly Released: May 1, 2018.
Apr 9, 2018
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NASA Contractor Whistleblowers:
Steps Taken to Implement Program but Improvements to Timeliness and Guidance NeededGAO-18-262: Published: Mar 8, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 9, 2018.
Feb 28, 2018
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James Webb Space Telescope:
Integration and Test Challenges Have Delayed Launch and Threaten to Push Costs Over CapGAO-18-273: Published: Feb 28, 2018. Publicly Released: Feb 28, 2018.
Jan 17, 2018
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NASA Commercial Crew Program:
Continued Delays Pose Risks for Uninterrupted Access to the International Space StationGAO-18-317T: Published: Jan 17, 2018. Publicly Released: Jan 17, 2018.
Dec 12, 2017
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Global Positioning System:
Better Planning and Coordination Needed to Improve Prospects for Fielding Modernized CapabilityGAO-18-74: Published: Dec 12, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 12, 2017.
Dec 6, 2017
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NASA:
Preliminary Observations on the Management of Space TelescopesGAO-18-277T: Published: Dec 6, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 6, 2017.
Oct 19, 2017
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NASA Human Space Exploration:
Integration Approach Presents Challenges to Oversight and IndependenceGAO-18-28: Published: Oct 19, 2017. Publicly Released: Oct 19, 2017.
Oct 4, 2017
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Space Exploration:
Improved Planning and Communication Needed for Plutonium-238 and Radioisotope Power Systems ProductionGAO-18-161T: Published: Oct 4, 2017. Publicly Released: Oct 4, 2017.
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