Defense acquisitions : challenges in aligning space system components : report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Defense, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives.

The Department of Defense (DOD) expects to spend more than $50 billion to develop and procure eight major space systems. Typically, the systems have two main components: satellites and ground control systems. Some also have a third component, user terminals, that can allow access from remote locatio...

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Bibliographic Details
Corporate Authors:	United States. Government Accountability Office, United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations. Subcommittee on Department of Defense
Other Authors:	Chaplain, Cristina T.
Format:	Government Document eBook
Language:	English
Published:	[Washington, D.C.] : U.S. Govt. Accountability Office, [2009]
Subjects:	United States. > Department of Defense > Procurement > Evaluation. Astronautics, Military > United States. Artificial satellites > United States. Weapons systems > United States.
Online Access:	https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/LPS120710

Description
Summary:	The Department of Defense (DOD) expects to spend more than $50 billion to develop and procure eight major space systems. Typically, the systems have two main components: satellites and ground control systems. Some also have a third component, user terminals, that can allow access from remote locations. If the delivery of these three components is not synchronized, there can be delays in providing full capabilities to the warfighter, and satellites on orbit can remain underutilized for years. Given preliminary indication of uncoordinated deployment, GAO was asked to examine (1) the extent to which satellite, ground control, and user terminal deployments are aligned; (2) the reasons deployments have not always been well coordinated; (3) actions being taken to enhance coordination; and (4) whether enhancements to ground systems could optimize the government's investment. To accomplish this, GAO analyzed plans for all major DOD satellite acquisitions and interviewed key officials. GAO recommends that the Secretary of Defense take a variety of actions to help ensure that DOD space systems provide more capability to the warfighter through better alignment and increased commonality, and to provide increased insight into ground asset costs. DOD generally agreed with these recommendations. Previous GAO recommendations have focused on improving acquisition problems.
Item Description:	Title from cover screen (GAO, viewed Nov. 2, 2009). "October 2009." "GAO-10-55." Electronic resource.
Physical Description:	1 online resource (iii, 37 pages) : illustrations
Bibliography:	Includes bibliographical references.