Could the Federal Government be Paid More for Commercial Satellite Launches at Federal Launch Sites?

Commercial and military activities in space have grown considerably in the last decade, with continued growth expected. This growth will increase the demand on the federal launch infrastructure that supports these activities. DOD has already invested billions of dollars into launch systems and infrastructure. To support the growing demand, DOD expects to spend over $18 billion on launch services and infrastructure over the next 5 years.

Increases in commercial launches has resulted in DOD providing more support to commercial entities, but DOD has struggled to accurately bill companies for direct costs. Until recently, DOD could not collect and be reimbursed for indirect costs for commercial space launch services, which include the actual costs of maintaining, operating, upgrading, and modernizing DOD space-related facilities. GAO recommendations may help DOD collect millions of dollars.