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E-book

Title Controlling Cost Growth of NASA Earth and Space Science Missions
Published National Academies Press 2010

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Description 1 online resource (76)
Contents Cover13; -- Front Matter13; -- Summary -- 1 Size and Historic Causes of Cost Growth -- 2 Key Problems and Solutions -- References -- Appendix A13;Statement of Task and Supporting Documents -- Appendix B Biographies of Committee Members and Staff -- Appendix C Findings and Recommendations from Primary References -- Appendix D Acronyms and Abbreviations
Summary Cost and schedule growth is a problem experienced by many types of projects in many fields of endeavor. Based on prior studies of cost growth in NASA and Department of Defense projects, this book identifies specific causes of cost growth associated with NASA Earth and space science missions and provides guidance on how NASA can overcome these specific problems. <br /> <br /> The recommendations in this book focus on changes in NASA policies that would directly reduce or eliminate the cost growth of Earth and space science missions. Large cost growth is a concern for Earth and space science missions, and it can be a concern for other missions as well. If the cost growth is large enough, it can create liquidity problems for NASA's Science Mission Directorate that in turn cause cost profile changes and development delays that amplify the overall cost growth for other concurrent and/or pending missions. Addressing cost growth through the allocation of artificially high reserves is an inefficient use of resources because it unnecessarily diminishes the portfolio of planned flights. The most efficient use of resources is to establish realistic budgets and reserves and effective management processes that maximize the likelihood that mission costs will not exceed reserves. NASA is already taking action to reduce cost growth; additional steps, as recommended herein, will help improve NASA's mission planning process and achieve the goal of ensuring frequent mission opportunities for NASA Earth and space science
Subject United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration -- Appropriations and expenditures
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration -- Planning
SUBJECT United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration fast
Subject Astronautics -- United States -- Costs
Space sciences -- United States -- Finance
Space shuttles -- Costs
Astronautics -- Costs
Expenditures, Public
Planning
Space sciences -- Finance
Space shuttles -- Costs
United States
Form Electronic book
Author National Research Council (U.S.)
ISBN 9780309157384
0309157382