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Report File
Date Issued
Submitting OIG
National Aeronautics and Space Administration OIG
Other Participating OIGs
National Aeronautics and Space Administration OIG
Agencies Reviewed/Investigated
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Report Number
IG-24-020
Report Description

For nearly 25 years, astronauts have continuously lived and worked onboard the International Space Station. As the Station ages, NASA will be challenged to ensure the safety of astronauts aboard and to sustain continuous operations, which includes conducting science and research and maintaining the ISS. At the same time, the Agency will need to develop capabilities to safely deorbit the ISS. In this audit, we examined NASA’s management of risks to sustaining ISS operations through 2030, ensuring crew and operational safety and conducting a safe, controlled deorbit in 2031.

Report Type
Audit
Agency Wide
Yes
Number of Recommendations
4
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0

Open Recommendations

This report has 4 open recommendations.
Recommendation Number Significant Recommendation Recommended Questioned Costs Recommended Funds for Better Use Additional Details
1 No $0 $0

Report on NASA’s progress to reexamine available orbital debris tracking tools and offices to ensure all practicable data sources are leveraged to inform ISS operations and ensure crew safety.

2 No $0 $0

Document safety contingency plans and vehicle reassignment rules to help ensure the safe return of crew in the event of an emergency—expanding these efforts to include damage to the Crew Dragon and Starliner.

3 No $0 $0

Develop plans that reflect potential cost savings measures and anticipated reductions in operations for ISS decommissioning.

4 No $0 $0

Update the controlled deorbit plan and ensure the plan includes key commitments, technical, schedule, and cost challenges impacting the 2031 deorbit time frame.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration OIG

United States