Skip to main content

DOD Participation in the Space Transportation System: Status and Issues

MASAD-81-6 Published: Feb 28, 1981. Publicly Released: Feb 28, 1981.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

The operational availability of the Space Transportation System (STS) has been delayed 3.5 years. Delays have resulted from identification of new requirements, funding constraints, and development difficulties with the system. To date there has been no known operational degradation in Department of Defense (DOD) space capabilities. However, the cost of DOD participation in the program has grown from about $1.2 billion to about $2.8 billion between fiscal years 1978 and 1982. Continuing uncertainties may further delay DOD use of the full capabilities offered by the system, increase the costs, or degrade future DOD operational capabilities in space. Problems incurred by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in meeting performance goals or milestones will effect DOD.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should provide Congress information on the total probable DOD funding requirements to achieve an operational STS capability, including STS-related costs funded by individual satellite and other programs.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense and the NASA Administrator should provide Congress with comprehensive information on the options being considered for maintaining an assured launch capability for defense and civil missions and the key assumptions, costs, and risks associated with each option. In addition to an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of continuing use of ELV's and/or increasing the number of orbiters, the information should also be provided on probable effects of canceling or delaying some noncritical flights until operational experience with STS is obtained.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.

Full Report

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Aerospace contractsCommand control communications systemsContract costsDefense procurementInteragency relationsMilitary satellitesNational defense operationsSpace explorationWeapons systemsMilitary forces