A Second Launch Site for the Shuttle? An Analysis of Needs for the Nation's Space Program
PSAD-78-57: Published: Aug 4, 1978. Publicly Released: Aug 4, 1978.
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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is constructing space shuttle facilities at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), the primary launch, landing, and orbiter refurbishment site which is scheduled to become operational in mid-1980. A second site, Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), will be funded by the Department of Defense (DOD) and is expected to become operational in June 1983 at a cost of about $1 billion.
The need for new facilities at VAFB is questionable. Proposed facilities at VAFB have been justified primarily on the basis that northerly launches are not permissible from KSC due to the danger of flying over land. DOD officials contended that KSC shuttle launches would not have the capability to handle certain DOD pay loads, and the Department of State has expressed a concern about the possibility of adverse Soviet reaction to northerly launches from KSC. These justifications seem to be unwarranted since: (1) land overflight would not be a serious problem with the type of vehicle involved, and the critical phase of the launch would be over ocean; (2) defense and civil missions projected for the 1980's are feasible from KSC; and (3) KSC delivery capability can be increased to meet future DOD requirements. Congressional inquiry may be needed to determine the seriousness of State's concern. NASA and DOD believe that five orbiters are needed with an investment cost per orbiter of about $600 million to $850 million. If an orbiter fleet of this magnitude were developed, funding might not be available for further scientific pay loads. Three orbiters could accommodate a considerable increase in space activity during the next decade and a fourth orbiter could provide for fleet attrition.
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
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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
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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.
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