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Space Station: Cost to Operate After Assembly is Uncertain

NSIAD-99-177 Published: Aug 06, 1999. Publicly Released: Aug 18, 1999.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) estimate for the cost to operate the International Space Station after assembly is completed, focusing on: (1) whether any space station-related costs are not included in NASA's estimate; (2) the level of uncertainty in the cost estimate for operations, especially with regard to the potential impact of changes in Russian participation; and (3) how NASA funding requirements will be reduced by sharing costs with international partners or through commercial use and operations.

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Aerospace researchCost analysisCost controlCost sharing (finance)Future budget projectionsInternational cooperationLife cycle costsSpace explorationStrategic planningSpace station