May 2003

Acquisition of National Security Space Programs

This 2003 report investigates systemic issues related to space systems acquisition from requirements definitions and budgetary planning through to staffing and program execution. The authors' findings and conclusions identify the following issues: requirement definitions and control issues; cost bias in proposal evaluation; the widespread lack of budget reserves required to implement scheduled high risk programs; and a lack of appreciation for an appropriately staffed and trained system engineering staff to manage the technologically demanding and unique aspects of space programs. The report recommends improvements for the acquisition of space programs from initiation to deployment.

Download: