NASA uses rocket propulsion test (RPT) sites to see how engines and components will react in launch conditions and in space and address any issues before launch. Much of NASA’s RPT infrastructure is aging and requires significant funding to maintain, while demand for NASA’s large-scale RPT facilities is in decline and funding is insufficient to address major maintenance projects.
Open Recommendations
Recommendation Number | Significant Recommendation | Recommended Questioned Costs | Recommended Funds for Better Use | Additional Details | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
Establish a requirement in the RPT Program Plan for recurring right-size studies for the RPT capability portfolio and use the results to reexamine workforce and capability requirements for the future. | |||||
2 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
Ensure that cost models deployed at all RPT Centers include full recovery of applicable maintenance costs for the infrastructure and facilities being utilized, similar to that being piloted at Stennis. | |||||
3 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
Formally document and establish the FM&M process in the RPT Program Plan or RPTMB Operating Procedures. | |||||
4 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
Document the results and planned RPT actions following completion of the Commercial Capability Survey. | |||||
5 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
Ensure that the appropriate revisions are made to NPR and NPD 8600.1 to clarify the authority structure. |