Space Shuttle Main Engine. NASA Has Not Evaluated the Alternate Fuel TurbopumpCosts and Benefits. Report to the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

摘要

NASA's plans to develop an alternate high pressure fuel turbopump for the SpaceShuttle's main engines were assessed by the General Accounting Office as a part of the evaluation of the Space Shuttle Safety and Obsolescence Upgrade program. The objective was to determine whether NASA has adequately analyzed cost, performance, and benefits that are expected to result from this program in comparison to other alternatives before resuming development of the alternate pump, which was suspended in 1992. The alternate fuel pump is one of five improvements being developed or planned to significantly enhance safety margins of the engines.