Space Program: Space Debris a Potential Threat to Space Station and Shuttle
IMTEC-90-18
Published: Apr 06, 1990. Publicly Released: Apr 23, 1990.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) response to the space debris issue, focusing on: (1) its plans and cost estimates for protecting the planned space station from debris; (2) NASA and Department of Defense (DOD) debris tracking capabilities; and (3) the effect of orbital debris on space shuttle operations.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| National Aeronautics and Space Administration | The Administrator, NASA, should initiate and complete the needed risk, hazard, and cost analyses associated with a valid space debris estimate in time for their results to be incorporated into the final design requirements for the space station scheduled for 1992. |
Closed – Implemented
A NASA Debris Committee and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology consultant agreed on an environment model. The model is being used as a basis for space station risk/hazard/cost analysis. Risk/hazard assessments are completed, and relate to the overall NASA independent assessment of risks planned for completion in 1993.
|
| National Aeronautics and Space Administration | The Administrator, NASA, should perform a risk and hazards assessment for the shuttle that factors in the anticipated increases in the debris environment and longer duration missions. |
Closed – Implemented
A risk and hazard assessment for the shuttle, factoring in the debris environment, was completed in August 1990.
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Topics
Accident preventionAerospace researchCost analysisEnvironmental monitoringNavigation aidsProjectionsRadar equipmentSatellitesSpace explorationWarning systems