NASA’s Management of Its Radioisotope Power Systems Program

Submitting OIG:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration OIG

Report Description:

NASA is developing advanced nuclear power system technologies, generally plutonium-238-based radioisotope power systems, to expand solar system exploration where conventional solar or chemical powered space flight is less effective. In this audit, we evaluated NASA’s management of the plutonium-238 it uses to power deep space satellite missions, nuclear power technology development, and the Program’s effectiveness in supporting NASA science missions.

Date Issued:

Monday, March 20, 2023

Agency Reviewed / Investigated:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Submitting OIG-Specific Report Number:

IG-23-010

Location(s):

Langley Research Center, VA

United States

NASA HQ, DC

United States

Glenn Research Center, OH

United States

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, CA

United States

Type of Report:

Audit

Questioned Costs:

Funds for Better Use:

Number of Recommendations:

View Document:

Attachment	Size
IG-23-010.pdf	10.08 MB

Recommendation Number	Recommendation Status	Significant Recommendation
1	Open	No
Create an RPS resource allocation and technology development strategic plan that includes an evaluation and mitigation of risks for each project through its completion and provide a communication plan to stakeholders and mission managers.
2	Open	No
Conduct high quality, frequent, and routine self-assessment TRAs by project management beginning after the initial implementation of a technology development project as a basis for TRL assessment and risk management discussions.
3	Open	No
Per Title 51 and NPR 7120.5F, recalculate the life-cycle costs for Next-Gen RTG and DRPS projects to include funding NASA provides to DOE.
4	Open	No
Institute an EVM process for Next-Gen RTG and DRPS projects that conforms with NASA policy, FAR requirements, and industry best practices.
5	Open	No
For Next-Gen RTG and DRPS development efforts that transition to a space flight project, execute a JCL analysis at the proper phases in accordance with NPR 7120.5F.
6	Open	No
In coordination with DOE, develop a means for the RPS Program to obtain high-fidelity Pu-238 and fueled clad current and future inventory information.
7	Open	No
Develop a means to quantify risk of future Pu-238 and fueled clad availability that can be communicated to NASA mission managers and incorporated into mission development proposals and plans.
8	Open	No
Leverage the RPS Program’s existing business processes with its element structure to monitor fission technology development for SMD feasibility and educate stakeholders on the possibilities and differences.
9	Open	No
Reevaluate the need and if appropriate reauthorize the organizational position of the Nuclear Power and Propulsion System Capability Leadership Team through the appropriate Mission Directorate and provide the Team responsibility for monitoring and advocating strategic nuclear power coordination across NASA.

Recommendation Number

Recommendation Status

Significant Recommendation

Additional Details

Open

Create an RPS resource allocation and technology development strategic plan that includes an evaluation and mitigation of risks for each project through its completion and provide a communication plan to stakeholders and mission managers.

Open

Conduct high quality, frequent, and routine self-assessment TRAs by project management beginning after the initial implementation of a technology development project as a basis for TRL assessment and risk management discussions.

Open

Per Title 51 and NPR 7120.5F, recalculate the life-cycle costs for Next-Gen RTG and DRPS projects to include funding NASA provides to DOE.

Open

Institute an EVM process for Next-Gen RTG and DRPS projects that conforms with NASA policy, FAR requirements, and industry best practices.