Posted: Mon, Oct 7, 2002, 6:21 AM ET (1021 GMT)
A report released last week by the General Accounting Office (GAO) recommends that NASA complete several tasks before proceeding with portions of the Space Launch Initiative (SLI). The report concluded that NASA should reassess its schedule for defining requirements and selecting three architectures for further study until NASA has a better grasp on its space transportation needs. The GAO recommended that NASA complete an ongoing reassessment of its overall integrated space transportation plan, reach consensus with its international partners on the future of the International Space Station, and agree with the Defense Department on its role with SLI. The report also recommended that NASA develop rigorous, reliable cost estimates once the system requirements review is completed. NASA largely agreed with the conclusions in the report. The GAO conducted the report at the request of space subcommittee of the House Science Committee.

Related Links:

•  Florida Today article
•  GAO report (PDF file)