Space Nuclear Propulsion:
History, Cost, and Status of Programs
T-NSIAD-93-2: Published: Oct 1, 1992. Publicly Released: Oct 1, 1992.
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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.
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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