thedrifter
05-21-09, 06:19 AM
Report says military satellite gaps exist
By Donna Borak - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday May 21, 2009 6:15:03 EDT
WASHINGTON — Poor planning and unproven technologies on key Pentagon space programs have led to large cost overruns, delays and possible gaps in military satellite capabilities, according to congressional investigators.
Delays of at least seven years in some satellite programs have led to potential gaps in protected military communications, navigation tools, missile warning systems and other areas, a Government Accountability Office official told lawmakers Wednesday.
“Programs focus on advocacy at the expense of realism and sound management,” Cristina Chaplain, director of acquisition and sourcing for the GAO, said in testimony prepared for a Senate Armed Services subcommittee. “This year it is also becoming more apparent that space acquisition problems are leading to potential gaps in the delivery of critical capabilities.”
The GAO examined seven major space programs including Boeing Co.’s Global Positioning System and a communication satellite built by Lockheed Martin Corp. The estimated costs of those programs have increased by $10.9 billion from initial estimates for fiscal years 2008 through 2013.
The Pentagon’s tendency to underestimate costs while including ambitious requirements and new, unproven technologies caused the significant cost growth and schedule delays, Chaplain said.
Because of excessive costs, the Pentagon had to scrap programs in development including a competition between Boeing and Lockheed to build a $26 billion transformational satellite designed to provide military communications.
Gary Payton, deputy under secretary of the Air Force for space programs, said while the Pentagon has faced significant challenges in its space acquisitions, it is also making significant progress.
Navy Vice Adm. Harry Harris, deputy chief of naval operations for communication networks, said the service “is critically dependent on space to conduct not only our wartime mission, but also our core capabilities.”
Ellie
By Donna Borak - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday May 21, 2009 6:15:03 EDT
WASHINGTON — Poor planning and unproven technologies on key Pentagon space programs have led to large cost overruns, delays and possible gaps in military satellite capabilities, according to congressional investigators.
Delays of at least seven years in some satellite programs have led to potential gaps in protected military communications, navigation tools, missile warning systems and other areas, a Government Accountability Office official told lawmakers Wednesday.
“Programs focus on advocacy at the expense of realism and sound management,” Cristina Chaplain, director of acquisition and sourcing for the GAO, said in testimony prepared for a Senate Armed Services subcommittee. “This year it is also becoming more apparent that space acquisition problems are leading to potential gaps in the delivery of critical capabilities.”
The GAO examined seven major space programs including Boeing Co.’s Global Positioning System and a communication satellite built by Lockheed Martin Corp. The estimated costs of those programs have increased by $10.9 billion from initial estimates for fiscal years 2008 through 2013.
The Pentagon’s tendency to underestimate costs while including ambitious requirements and new, unproven technologies caused the significant cost growth and schedule delays, Chaplain said.
Because of excessive costs, the Pentagon had to scrap programs in development including a competition between Boeing and Lockheed to build a $26 billion transformational satellite designed to provide military communications.
Gary Payton, deputy under secretary of the Air Force for space programs, said while the Pentagon has faced significant challenges in its space acquisitions, it is also making significant progress.
Navy Vice Adm. Harry Harris, deputy chief of naval operations for communication networks, said the service “is critically dependent on space to conduct not only our wartime mission, but also our core capabilities.”
Ellie