Military Space: "At a Critical Juncture"

Military space is at a critical juncture, noted Cristina T. Chaplain, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management for the Government Accountability Office (GAO). She testified May 20 before the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Committee on Armed Services in the U.S. Senate.

Chaplain said that there are critical capabilities that are at risk of falling behind their current level of service.

“To best mitigate these circumstances and put future programs on a better path, DOD needs to focus foremost on sustaining current capabilities and preparing for potential gaps. In addition, there is still a looming question of how military and intelligence space activities should be organized and led,” she explained in written testimony.

Estimated costs for major space acquisition programs have increased by about $10.9 billion from initial estimates for fiscal years 2008 through 2013. In several cases, DOD has had to cut back on quantity and capability in the face of escalating costs.

Chaplain noted that, along with the cost increases, many programs are experiencing significant schedule delays -- at least 7 years -- resulting in potential capability gaps in areas such as positioning, navigation, and timing; missile warning; and weather monitoring.

To view Chaplain’s complete testimony, go to:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09705t.pdf

By Leonard David