Space Nuclear Propulsion:
History, Cost, and Status of Programs
T-NSIAD-93-2: Published: Oct 1, 1992. Publicly Released: Oct 1, 1992.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
Contact:
GAO discussed the history, costs, and current status of space nuclear thermal propulsion programs being developed by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with support from the Department of Energy (DOE). GAO noted that: (1) DOD and NASA are pursuing separate approaches to develop space nuclear thermal propulsion programs; (2) the DOD program differs in the manner in which the nuclear fuel is packed in the reactor, while NASA technology involves the use of a nuclear fuel encased in rods; (3) DOD conducted its work on the nuclear thermal rocket propulsion system under a classified program called TIMBERWIND, managed by the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO); (4) SDIO terminated the TIMBERWIND program in fiscal year 1991 and the Air Force assumed program management responsibilities under the Space Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Program (SNTP); (5) the SNTP program's purpose is to increase lift capabilities by 200 to 400 percent over current chemical rocket engines using a particle bed reactor; (6) SDIO spent $131 million on the TIMBERWIND program and the Air Force has requested about $38.9 million for FY 1993 and plans to spend the same through 1996; (7) NASA is considering SNTP for its space exploration requirements, but has not contributed funds from its budget and believes that the Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application (NERVA) deviate systems could be available sooner; (8) NASA spent about $3.5 million in 1992, and has requested the same amount for 1993; and (9) DOE designs, produces, and delivers nuclear power sources from fuel to complete reactor assemblies.
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
-
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
-
NASA:
Assessments of Major ProjectsGAO-18-280SP: Published: May 1, 2018. Publicly Released: May 1, 2018.
Apr 9, 2018
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
NASA:
Preliminary Observations on the Management of Space TelescopesGAO-18-277T: Published: Dec 6, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 6, 2017.
Oct 19, 2017
-
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
-
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.
Looking for more? Browse all our products here
Explore our Key Issues on Space
Explore our other Key Issues here
