Our objective was to assess the Space Weather Follow-On (SWFO) program’s progress in preparing the SWFO-L1 satellite for launch and operations. To meet our objective, we reviewed SWFO-L1 satellite environmental testing, planning for integration onto the launch vehicle as a rideshare, and operational readiness reviews. We also reviewed the extent to which NOAA had policies governing the launch of space weather satellites. Additionally, we compared the program management of risk, cost, and schedule against programmatic plans. We found that the SWFO program made adequate progress in preparing for launch and operations. However, we also found that the SWFO Program Office did not conduct vibration testing using the actual flight separation system, nor did it receive a formal waiver for this deviation from “Test-As-You-Fly” (TAYF) standards. This occurred because NOAA oversight officials, as the mission sponsors, did not provide sufficient oversight to enforce TAYF requirements during vibration testing. As a result, NOAA did not have assurance that the system would not fail during launch and that the government’s interest was adequately protected.
