Space Transporation: Critical Areas NASA Needs to Address in Managing Its Reusable Launch Vehicle Program
Abstract
I am pleased to be here today to discuss our work, requested by this Subcommittee, on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) X-33 and X-34 programs. As you know, the purpose of these efforts was to significantly reduce the cost of access to space by partnering with private industry to develop and demonstrate technologies needed for future reusable launch vehicles reaching orbit in one stage (single-stage-to-orbit). In essence, these are vehicles whose components either all or in part can be utilized on subsequent flights. Both programs were recently terminated because of significant cost increases caused by problems developing the necessary technologies and flight demonstration vehicles. NASA is now focusing instead on its new Space Launch Initiative. This is a broader effort to develop the next generation of reusable launch vehicles, referred to as the Second Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle Program (2nd Generation Program). Today, I will discuss the primary factors that contributed to the difficulties experienced by the X-33 and X-34 programs and the steps needed to avoid repeating those problems within the 2 nd Generation Program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 20, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA391943
Entities
People
- Allen Li
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office