Cost-Benefit Analysis Used in Support of the Space Shuttle Program
Abstract
Responding to Senator Walter F. Mondale's February 1972 request, we have reviewed the cost-benefit analysis used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in support of the Space Shuttle Program. This analysis was made by Mathematics, Incorporated, of Princeton Junction, New Jersey; its final report was issued on January 31, 1972. The Mathematics analysis is discussed in chapter 2. Senator Mondale requested that GAO's review include, but not be limited to: 1. Identifying the processes used in making the estimates of the economics of the program. 2. Identifying the organizations involved in the processes and the supporting analyses for the estimates. 3. Identifying the significant assumptions and other study elements influencing the estimates. 4. Establishing the ranges of possible effects on the economics of the program due to uncertainties in the significant assumptions and critical study elements. NASA has proposed that a space shuttle be developed for U.S. space transportation needs for NASA, DOD, and other users in the 1980's. The primary objective of the Space Shuttle Program is to provide a new space transportation capability that will (1) reduce substantially the cost of space operations and (2) provide a future capability designed to support a wide range of scientific, defense, and commercial uses. The space shuttle is intended to be the first reusable space vehicle. It will be boosted into space through the simultaneous operation (parallel burn) of its solid propellant booster engines and its orbiter-stage, high-pressure, liquid oxygen-liquid hydrogen main engines. The booster rockets will detach at an altitude of about 25 miles and descend into the ocean to be recovered and reused. The orbiter, under its own power, will continue into low earth orbit. The orbiter will look like a delta winged airplane and will have a crew of four--pilot, copilot, and two specialists --who will fly it back to earth for an airplane-like landing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 02, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD1122140
Entities
People
- Elmer B. Staats
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office