MX Program Cost and Schedule Milestones Could Be Adversely Impacted if Certain Matters Are Not Resolved
MASAD-82-17: Published: Feb 10, 1982. Publicly Released: Feb 10, 1982.
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GAO completed a review of the MX weapon system program and identified certain matters which, if not resolved in a timely manner, could adversely affect the program's cost and schedule milestones.
Delays have occurred in the development and demonstration of the liquid propellant tank for stage 4 of the MX missile's propulsion system, in the construction of the integrated testing facility, and in the delivery of software for the test program's instrumentation and the flight safety system. There appears to be a limited production capacity for certain critical materials needed for constructing the MX missile because: (1) only two firms manufacture an essential propellant ingredient, and there may be difficulties in meeting MX propellant production needs if the MX program does not maintain its acquisition priority over that of the Space Transportation System program; (2) one firm manufactures an essential material used in the MX missile's guidance and control system, and that manufacturer may cease operations because of the health hazards associated with the production; and (3) two firms manufacture certain missile components, and an adequate supply can only be assured if funding supports sufficient acquisition leadtimes. There has been some degree of uncertainty about the availability of nuclear materials. Air Force and contractor officials have said that there is concern over the shortage of affordable housing near the base. This could preclude contractors from being able to hire sufficient numbers of technicians to support the currently scheduled MX missile and Space Transportation System launches.
Apr 30, 2020
Priority Open Recommendations:
National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationGAO-20-526PR: Published: Apr 23, 2020. Publicly Released: Apr 30, 2020.
Apr 29, 2020
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NASA:
Assessments of Major ProjectsGAO-20-405: Published: Apr 29, 2020. Publicly Released: Apr 29, 2020.
Jan 29, 2020
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NASA Commercial Crew Program:
Significant Work Remains to Begin Operational Missions to the Space StationGAO-20-121: Published: Jan 29, 2020. Publicly Released: Jan 29, 2020.
Jan 28, 2020
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James Webb Space Telescope:
Technical Challenges Have Caused Schedule Strain and May Increase CostsGAO-20-224: Published: Jan 28, 2020. Publicly Released: Jan 28, 2020.
Dec 19, 2019
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NASA Lunar Programs:
Opportunities Exist to Strengthen Analyses and Plans for Moon LandingGAO-20-68: Published: Dec 19, 2019. Publicly Released: Dec 19, 2019.
Sep 18, 2019
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NASA:
Actions Needed to Improve the Management of Human Spaceflight ProgramsGAO-19-716T: Published: Sep 18, 2019. Publicly Released: Sep 18, 2019.
Jun 20, 2019
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NASA Commercial Crew Program:
Schedule Uncertainty Persists for Start of Operational Missions to the International Space StationGAO-19-504: Published: Jun 20, 2019. Publicly Released: Jun 20, 2019.
Jun 19, 2019
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NASA Human Space Exploration:
Persistent Delays and Cost Growth Reinforce Concerns over Management of ProgramsGAO-19-377: Published: Jun 19, 2019. Publicly Released: Jun 19, 2019.
May 30, 2019
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NASA:
Assessments of Major ProjectsGAO-19-262SP: Published: May 30, 2019. Publicly Released: May 30, 2019.
Apr 19, 2019
-
Priority Open Recommendations:
National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationGAO-19-424SP: Published: Apr 12, 2019. Publicly Released: Apr 19, 2019.
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