GOVERNMENT SPACE PROGRAMS AND THE LOOMING BUDGET―IS THE COMMERCIAL SIDE HEADED FOR TROUBLE?

摘要

A quick examination of key government space programs yields an overwhelming impression of a long-held maxim in this area: Nearly all programs have massively exceeded budgets, many are delayed and performance visibility remains dim going forward. While this is not the first ink to be spilled to lament this fact, we would raise a more pressing question in regard to the forward picture. What impact would a plateau in defense funding around the FY06 period have on the commercial aerospace arena, which relies on government procurement opportunities, regarding the myriad semi-troubled existing space programs and those just in the beginning stages? While the answer to this question is highly subjective, we believe the overall budget picture could impact space planning more severely than many other program categories.