Changes to the Scope, Schedule, and Estimated Cost of the Earth Observing System
NSIAD-92-223: Published: Jul 22, 1992. Publicly Released: Jul 27, 1992.
- Full Report:
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the status of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Earth Observing System (EOS) Program, focusing on major changes NASA made to its scope, schedule, and estimated cost.
GAO found that: (1) NASA planned for EOS to observe and predict the Earth's changing atmosphere; (2) NASA changed the original scope and timing of EOS to better meet its objectives; (3) NASA has reduced EOS funding estimates through fiscal year 2000; and (4) EOS success depends on NASA ability to arrange development and use of some atmospheric instruments.
Recommendation for Executive Action
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: Discussions of development and flight opportunities are ongoing with other federal agencies and international partners. NASA will keep Congress informed about any change in instrument status.
Recommendation: The NASA Administrator should periodically inform Congress about the status of the agency's efforts to arrange development or flight support for planned instruments that are needed to help achieve EOS scientific objectives but are outside the program's funding profile through fiscal year 2000.
Agency Affected: National Aeronautics and Space Administration