Space Acquisitions: DOD Needs a Departmentwide Strategy for Pursuing Low-Cost, Responsive Tactical Space Capabilities

Abstract

Through effective management of requirements and technologies and strong leadership, DOD was able to deliver the first TacSat satellite in 12 months and for less than $10 million. The Office of Force Transformation, TacSat 1ssponsor, set requirements early in the satellites development process and kept them stable. DOD modified existing technologies for use in space, significantly reducing the likelihood of encountering unforeseen problems that could result in costly design changes. The satellite was also built within DODs science and technology environment, which enabled service laboratory scientists to address problems quickly, inexpensively, and innovatively. The vision and support provided by leadership were also key to achieving the successful delivery of TacSat 1. DOD has also made progress in developing three additional TacSats and is working toward developing a low-cost launch vehicle available on demand.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2006
Accession Number
AD1156905

Entities

People

  • Michael J. Sullivan

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Best Practices
  • Congress
  • Environment
  • Governments
  • Launch Vehicles
  • Launching
  • Military Operations
  • Military Research
  • Small Satellites
  • Space Sciences
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites