The Government Accountability Office recommended the Department of Defense implement practices to address cost and schedule challenges facing the department when procuring space technology platforms. GAO said Wednesday that it found that space leadership changes, potential satellite threats, funding issues and workforce gaps could affect the department’s acquisition of weather satellites and missile warning, communications and navigation systems.Â
The report also noted that while space systems assist government and military operations, their deployment may cost billions of dollars. GAO cited the launch of a satellite communications system was delayed by three years and the mission cost jumped more than 117 percent.Â
The agency’s recommends are based on DoD space program reports created over the last decade and findings on the status of defense procurement efforts.
Related Articles
When government and industry leaders gathered at the 2025 Space and Missile Defense Symposium last week, the Department of Defense placed a moratorium on officials speaking in public sessions about Golden Dome, President Trump’s Iron Dome-inspired missile protection and alert initiative. However, news from private sessions between military leaders at the Missile Defense Agency and the industrial base have become known, with help from reporting by Breaking Defense. The most significant of this information is about the Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense, a.k.a. SHIELD, contracting vehicle, which MDA released a pre-solicitation paper for at the very end of July. SHIELD is estimated
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order to help streamline regulations and promote competition in the commercial space industry. Streamlining Launch Licenses The White House said Wednesday the EO will help streamline commercial license and permit approvals for U.S.-based operators by directing the secretary of Transportation to accelerate environmental reviews for launch and reentry licenses and permits. The policy also directs the secretary of Transportation to evaluate regulatory requirements to eliminate redundant, outdated or overly restrictive rules for launch and reentry vehicles. The order mandates the creation of a position within the Department of Transportation to advise on
Jules Hurst III has been appointed to perform the duties of the Defense Department’s under secretary (comptroller) and chief financial officer. The OUSD (C) announced Wednesday that he assumed the acting-capacity role on Aug. 11. Who Is Jules Hurst III? Before his appointment, Hurst was performing the duties of assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs. He also performed the duties of under secretary of Defense for personnel and readiness and held various leadership roles under the same office. He also became the defense adviser and legislative director at the Office of the Speaker of the U.S. House