Space Station

Contrary to claims that Russian participation in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) proposed international space station would save $2 billion, GAO's analysis shows that there are no net savings from Russian participation that could be used to fund other areas of the program and accelerate the space station schedule. The $2 billion in savings would be largely offset by (1) at least $1.4 billion in program changes to accommodate the Russians and (2) $400 million in funding requirements arising from lower than anticipated contributions of Russian hardware. NASA still believes that it can meet its assembly schedule and $17.4 billion funding target. However, NASA will have to find substantial savings from other sources to offset the Russian-related funding increases and accelerate the schedule. NASA recently identified additional shuttle improvements that will be needed as a result of Russian participation, which could further boost space station funding requirements.

GAO found that: (1) there are no net savings from Russian participation in the space station program that could be used to fund other program areas and accelerate the station's assembly schedule; (2) Russian participation could add $0.4 billion in program funding requirements because of lower than anticipated hardware contributions; (3) NASA will have to find substantial savings from other sources to meet its assembly schedule and funding target; (4) increased program funding needs will likely cancel any anticipated savings from expanded Russian participation; and (5) other program funding requirements will also increase due to contracts with Russia for space-related activities, shuttle improvements and modifications, and additional shuttle flights to assemble the new station.