Status of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System
PSAD-78-37: Published: Apr 25, 1978. Publicly Released: Apr 25, 1978.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
Contact:
The NAVSTAR Global Positioning System is a satellite-based radio navigation system which will consist of 24 satellites, ground control equipment, and user equipment for a variety of Department of Defense applications. All military services are participating in the program with the Air Force acting as management executive. Program costs are estimated at $3.7 billion, including $1.5 billion for the Global Positioning System, $1.7 billion related to user equipment, and $0.5 billion for replenishment satellites.
Delays due to technical problems in developing the satellite, control, and user equipment segments led to restructuring of the program in early 1977. In restructuring the program, the Air Force extended scheduled milestone dates, and since the restructuring, additional delays in satellite development increased the chance that Phase I completion might extend beyond the February 1979 timeframe. Since concept validation approval in December 1973, cost estimates have increased from $177.9 million to almost $400 million. The total program cost increased approximately $672 million more than originally estimated. This program cost estimate does not include costs for acquiring operational user equipment, replenishing satellites, space shuttle launches, and other related activities. The program's current phase could be delayed further. Any further slippage in satellite launches or a launch failure could lead to increased costs for the current phase and future program phases.
Dec 22, 2020
Commercial Space Transportation:
FAA Should Examine a Range of Options to Support U.S. Launch InfrastructureGAO-21-154: Published: Dec 22, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 22, 2020.
Dec 15, 2020
-
NASA Human Space Exploration:
Significant Investments in Future Capabilities Require Strengthened Management OversightGAO-21-105: Published: Dec 15, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 15, 2020.
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
-
NASA:
Assessments of Major ProjectsGAO-20-405: Published: Apr 29, 2020. Publicly Released: Apr 29, 2020.
Jan 29, 2020
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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.
Looking for more? Browse all our products here
Explore our Key Issues on Space
Explore our other Key Issues here
