Weather Satellite Costs Have Increased, Problems Have Occurred in Their Manufacturing Quality Control

摘要

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates the nation's civilian weather satellite system. The cost of buying these satellites has risen steeply over the years and some of them have failed in orbit earlier than expected. The report discusses the reasons for increased satellite costs and failures and the actions taken. The report also discusses two problems with the manufacturing quality control of the weather satellites: contractors' installation in the satellites of parts not approved by NASA and a shortage of government quality control inspectors at some contractor plants during fiscal year 1984.