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Report File
Date Issued
Submitting OIG
National Aeronautics and Space Administration OIG
Agencies Reviewed/Investigated
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Report Number
IG-25-011
Report Description

Dragonfly, a rotorcraft lander that will fly like a large drone, isdesigned to gather samples from Saturn’s moon Titan, characterize Titan’s habitability, and look for precursors of the origin of life. However, the project has undergone multiple replans impacting cost and schedule, resulting in a life-cycle cost increase of nearly $1 billion and over 2 years of delays. 

Report Type
Audit
Agency Wide
Yes
Number of Recommendations
5
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0
Report updated under NDAA 5274
No
External Link
https://oig.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/final-report-ig-25-011-nasas-ma…

Open Recommendations

This report has 5 open recommendations.
Recommendation Number Significant Recommendation Recommended Questioned Costs Recommended Funds for Better Use Additional Details
1 No $0 $0

Document lessons learned from the APMC Chair’s decision to begin Phase C development work prior to formally passing KDP-C and establishing an ABC to the Office of Management and Budget and Congress.

2 No $0 $0

Update Dragonfly’s project plan to reflect baseline commitments.

3 No $0 $0

Ensure SMD maintains adequate levels of UFE to support the Dragonfly project through Phase D.

4 No $0 $0

If DCMA determines that APL’s EVM data is not sufficiently reliable, ensure APL timely implements any recommendations needed to bring the EVM System into compliance.

5 No $0 $0

Ensure the science community is informed of updates to the expected scope and cadence for future New Frontiers missions.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration OIG

United States