Space Station Cost to Operate After Assembly Is Uncertain.
Abstract
When completed around 2004, the goal of the International Space Station (ISS) is to provide the United States and its international partners with an Earth orbiting facility that supports human habitation and scientific research in a microgravity environment. Because of Russia's ongoing problems in funding its share of the space station's construction costs, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is concerned that Russia may also not be able to fulfill its commitments to fund ISS operations costs. NASA estimated that the annual cost to operate the completed space station will average $1.3 billion, or $13 billion over a 10-year mission life. NASA anticipates sharing these costs with its international partners, and it hopes to further reduce funding requirements through sharing with commercial users or through more efficient commercial operations. As requested by you and the late Representative George E. Brown, Jr., we reviewed NASAs estimate for the cost to operate the space station after assembly is completed. Specifically, we were asked to determine (1) if any space station-related costs are not included in NASA's estimate; (2) the level of uncertainty in the cost estimate for operations, especially with regard to the potential impact of changes in Russian participation; and (3) how NASA funding requirements will be reduced by sharing costs with international partners or through commercial use and operations. We reported on NASA's efforts to promote commercial activity on the space station in a separate report to you.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA367281
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office