GAO Still Sees Problems With Constellation

GAO Report Confirms that Funding Shortfalls Have Hurt NASA’s Ability to Execute Its Constellation Program As Planned, House Science and Technology Committee
“Constellation has been underway for four years, and we have invested almost $8 billion in it to date. I am heartened that the review committee found the program to be sound and one that can be successfully implemented if given adequate resources in a timely manner. GAO’s report provides a sobering indication of the negative impact that funding shortfalls can have on complex and technically difficult space flight programs like Constellation, no matter how dedicated and skillful the program’s workforce is,” added Gordon.”
GAO Report: NASA Constellation Program Cost and Schedule Will Remain Uncertain Until a Sound Business Case Is Established
“NASA is still struggling to develop a solid business case–including firm requirements, mature technologies, a knowledge-based acquisition strategy, a realistic cost estimate, and sufficient funding and time–needed to justify moving the Constellation program forward into the implementation phase. Gaps in the business case include
– significant technical and design challenges for the Orion and Ares I vehicles, such as limiting vibration during launch, eliminating the risk of hitting the launch tower during lift off, and reducing the mass of the Orion vehicle, represent considerable hurdles that must be overcome in order to meet safety and performance requirements; and
– a poorly phased funding plan that runs the risk of funding shortfalls in fiscal years 2009 through 2012, resulting in planned work not being completed to support schedules and milestones. This approach has limited NASA’s ability to mitigate technical risks early in development and precludes the orderly ramp up of workforce and developmental activities.”
GAO: NASA Faces Challenges Defining Scope and Costs of Space Shuttle Transition and Retirement, earlier post
GAO: Area I and Orion Project Risk and Key Indicators to Measure Progress, earlier post
GAO: Agency Has Taken Steps Toward Making Sound Investment Decisions for Ares I but Still Faces Challenging Knowledge Gaps, earlier post