Space Shuttle: Human Capital and Safety Upgrade Challenges Require ContinuedAttention

摘要

The National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) space shuttle programis at a critical juncture as three key factors converge: its workforce has declined significantly since 1995, its flight rate will have to double over that of recent years to support assembly of the International Space Station, and costly safety upgrades are being planned to enhance the space shuttles safe operation until at least 2012. As agreed with your office, we examined workforce and safety issues facing NASA and its shuttle program. Specifically, we assessed the impact of workforce reductions on the shuttle program, the challenges NASA faces in addressing workforce issues, and the status of planned shuttle safety and supportability upgrades.