- The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report highlighting the lack of cost transparency in NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) program.
- Despite the successful Artemis I flight test, NASA has not established cost and schedule baselines for future SLS capabilities, making it difficult to monitor the program’s affordability.
Washington, D.C., September 7, 2023 — A new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is urging NASA to improve cost transparency for its Space Launch System (SLS) program. The report, titled “SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM: Cost Transparency Needed to Monitor Program Affordability,” comes on the heels of the successful Artemis I flight test in November 2022.
A Successful Test but an Unclear Future
The Artemis I flight test successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the SLS Block 1. However, the GAO report points out that NASA has yet to establish cost and schedule baselines for additional SLS capabilities. This lack of transparency makes it challenging to monitor the program’s affordability over time.
GAO’s Recommendations
The GAO has previously made three recommendations to improve the program’s affordability, two of which are considered priority recommendations. The report emphasizes that NASA does not have plans to measure ongoing production and other costs needed to sustain the program.
Contracts and Future Missions
The report also delves into the types of contracts used for the SLS program, as well as NASA’s plans for future missions. While the Artemis I mission was a milestone, the absence of a clear financial roadmap raises questions about the program’s long-term viability.
The Need for Accountability
The GAO’s call for greater cost transparency is not just a bureaucratic request but a necessity for the program’s long-term success. Without clear cost and schedule baselines, it becomes increasingly difficult to assess the program’s performance and make informed decisions for the future.
