Space Economy: GAO Reports from 2003 to July 31, 2024

What is the GAO?

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, non-partisan agency that works for Congress. Often called the “congressional watchdog,” GAO examines how taxpayer dollars are spent and provides Congress and federal agencies with objective, fact-based information to help the government save money and work more efficiently. GAO was formed by the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 to investigate all matters related to the use of public funds and recommend ways to increase economy and efficiency in government spending.

GAO provides Congress, the heads of executive agencies, and the public with timely, fact-based, non-partisan information that can be used to improve government and save taxpayers billions of dollars. Their work is done at the request of congressional committees or subcommittees or is statutorily required by public laws or committee reports.

GAO’s Relevance to the Space Economy

GAO conducts research and issues reports related to space, including space-related research and development, space exploration, transportation, defense and communications satellites, and support personnel and facilities. For example, in recent years, GAO has published reports calling on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve its procedures for investigating mishaps in commercial spaceflight.

As the commercial space industry expands, with a 12% mishap rate out of 433 launches between 2000 and 2023, GAO’s oversight and recommendations play a crucial role in ensuring public safety and the effective regulation of this growing sector. GAO’s work helps identify areas for improvement in government oversight of the space economy.

Importance and Impact of GAO Reports

GAO reports are highly influential, as they provide objective, fact-based information and recommendations to Congress and federal agencies. Some key impacts of GAO reports include:

• Identifying billions of dollars in potential savings for the federal government
• Uncovering opportunities to improve the performance and ensure the accountability of federal programs and agencies
• Providing recommendations to Congress and agencies on ways to increase efficiency and effectiveness in government operations

In fiscal year 2023 alone, GAO’s work yielded $70.4 billion in financial benefits for the federal government—a return of $84 for every dollar invested. GAO also identified 1,220 other benefits that led to program and operational improvements across the government.

By investigating government spending and operations related to space and providing fact-based recommendations, GAO reports play a vital role in informing Congressional decision-making and shaping the policies and regulations that govern the burgeoning space economy. GAO’s independent, non-partisan analysis helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent effectively and that the government is well-equipped to oversee this rapidly evolving industry.

GAO Reports Relevant to the Space Economy

Here is a chronologically ordered list of GAO reports from July 31, 2024 to 2003, with each list item including the title, clickable GAO identifier, and year of publication:

• Commercial Space Transportation: FAA’s Oversight of Human Spaceflight. GAO-24-106184. 2024.
• NASA Artemis Programs: Lunar Landing Plans are Progressing But Challenges Remain. GAO-24-107249. 2024.
• NASA Artemis Programs: Crewed Moon Landing Faces Multiple Challenges. GAO-24-106256. 2023.
• Space Launch System: Cost Transparency Needed to Monitor Program Affordability. GAO-23-105609. 2023.
• Space Command and Control: Improved Tracking and Reporting Would Clarify Progress Amid Persistent Delays. GAO-23-105920. 2023.
• Weapon Systems Annual Assessment: Programs are Not Consistently Implementing Practices That Can Help Accelerate Acquisitions. GAO-23-106-59. 2023.
• GPS Modernization: Space Force Should Reassess Requirements for Satellites and Handheld Devices. GAO-23-106018. 2023.
• NASA: Assessments of Major Projects. GAO-23-106021. 2023.
• Priority Open Recommendations: National Aeronautics and Space Adminstration. GAO-23-106496. 2023.
• High-Risk Series: Efforts Made to Achieve Progress Need to be Maintained and Expanded to Fully Address All Areas. GAO-23-106203. 2023.
• NOAA Acquisitions: Fully Aligning Procedures with Best Practices Could Improve the Reliability of Cost Estimates. GAO-23-105808. 2023.
• Space Situational Awareness: DOD Should Evaluate How it Can Use Commerce Data. GAO-23-105565. 2023.
• Satellite Control Network: Updating Sustainment Plan Would Help Space Force Better Manage Future Efforts. GAO-23-105505. 2023.
• Satellite Licensing: FCC Should Reexamine Its Environmental Review Process for Large Constellations of Satellites. GAO-23-105005. 2022.
• National Security Space: Overview of Contracts for Commercial Satellite Imagery. GAO-23-106042. 2022.
• National Security Space: Actions Needed to Better Use Commercial Satellite Imagery and Analytics. GAO-22-106106. 2022.
• GPS Alternatives: DOD is Developing Navigation Systems But is Not Measuring Overall Progress. GAO-22-106010. 2022.
• NASA Lunar Programs: Improved Mission Guidance Needed as Artemis Complexity Grows. GAO-22-105323. 2022.
• International Space Station: Opportunities Exist to Improve Communication with National Laboratory Users. GAO-22-105147. 2022.
• GPS Modernization: Better Information and Detailed Test Plans Needed for Timely Fielding of Military User Equipment. GAO-22-105086. 2022.
• Missile Warning Satellites: Comprehensive Cost and Schedule Information Would Enhance Congressional Oversight. GAO-21-105249. 2021.
• Satellite Communications: DOD Should Explore Options to Meet User Needs for Narrowband Capabilities. GAO-21-105283. 2021.
• NASA Lunar Programs: Significant Work Remains, Underscoring Challenges to Achieving Moon Landing in 2024. GAO-21-330. 2021.
• NASA: Assessment of Major Projects. GAO-21-306. 2021.
• James Webb Space Telescope: Project Nearing Completion, But Work to Resolve Challenges Continues. GAO-21-406. 2021.
• DOD Faces Challenges and Opportunities with Acquiring Space Systems in a Changing Environment. GAO-21-520T. 2021.
• Defense Navigation Capabilities: DOD is Developing Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Technologies to Complement GPS. GAO-21-320SP. 2021.
• Environmental Liabilities: NASA’s Reported Financial Liabilities Have Grown, and Several Factors Contribute to Future Uncertainties. GAO-21-205. 2021.
• GPS Modernization: DOD Continuing to Develop New Jam-Resistant Capability, But Widespread Use Remains Years Away. GAO-21-145. 2021.
• Commercial Space Transportation: FAA Should Examine a Range of Options to Support U.S. Launch Infrastructure. GAO-21-154. 2020.
• NASA Human Space Exploration: Significant Investments in Future Capabilities Require Strengthened Management Oversight. GAO-21-105. 2020.
• NASA: Assessment of Major Projects. GAO-20-405. 2020.
• NASA: Priority Open Recommendations. GAO-20-526PR. 2020.
• NASA Commercial Crew Program: Significant Work Remains to Begin Operational Missions to the Space Station. GAO-20-121. 2020.
• James Webb Space Telescope: Technical Challenges Have Caused Schedule Strain and May Increase Cost. GAO-20-224. 2020.
• Defense Acquisitions Annual Assessment: Drive to Delivery Capabilities Faster Increases Importance of Program Knowledge and Consistent Data for Oversight. GAO-20-429. 2020.
• NASA Lunar Programs: Opportunities Exist to Strengthen Analysed and Plans for Moon Landing. GAO–20-68. 2019.
• Satellite Communications: DOD Should Develop A Plan for Implementing Its Recommendations on a Future Wideband Architecture. GAO-20-80. 2019.
• Space Command and Control: Comprehensive Planning and Oversight Could Help DOD Acquire Capabilities and Address Challenges. GAO-20-146. 2019.
• NASA Commercial Crew Program: Schedule Uncertainty Persists for Start of Operational Missions to the International Space Station. GAO-19-504. 2019.
• NASA Human Space Exploration: Persistent Delays and Cost Growth Reinforce Concerns Over Management of Programs. GAO-19-377. 2019.
• NASA: Assessments of Major Projects. GAO-19-262SP. 2019.
• Commercial Space Transportation: Improvements to FAA’s Workforce Planning Needed to Prepare for the Industry’s Anticipated Growth. GAO-19-437. 2019.
• Priority Open Recommendations: National Aeronautics and Space Administration. GAO-19-424SP. 2019.
• Global Positioning System: Updated Schedule Assessment Could Help Decision Makers Address Likely Delays Related to New Ground Control System. GAO-19-250. 2019.
• Space Acquisitions: DOD Faces Significant Challenges as it Seeks to Accelerate Space Programs and Address Threats. GAO-19-458T. 2019.
• DOD Space Acquisitions: Including Users Early and Often in Software Development Could Benefit Programs. GAO-19-136. 2019.
• Defense Space Systems: DOD Should Collect and Maintain Data on its Space Acquisition Workforce. GAO-19-240. 2019.
• NASA Commercial Crew Program: Plan Needed to Ensure Uninterrupted Access to the International Space Station. GAO-18-476. 2018.
• NASA: Assessments of Major Projects. GAO-18-280SP. 2018.
• James Webb Space Telescope: Integration and Test Challenges Have Delayed Launch and Threaten to Push Costs Over Cap. GAO-18-273. 2018.
• Weapons Systems Annual Assessment. GAO-18-360SP. 2018.
• NASA: Preliminary Observations on the Management of Space Telescopes. GAO-18-277T. 2017.
• Federal Aviation Administration: Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Potentially Moving the Office of Commercial Space Transportation. GAO-18-96. 2017.
• Space Exploration: Improved Planning and Communication Needed for Plutonium-238 and Radioisotope Power Systems. GAO-18-161T. 2017.
• Space Launch: Coordination Mechanisms Facilitate Interagency Information Sharing on Acquisitions. GAO-17-646R. 2017.
• NASA: Assessments of Major Projects. GAO-17-303SP. 2017.
• NASA Human Space Exploration: Delay Likely for First Exploration Mission. GAO-17-414. 2017.
• NASA Commercial Crew Program: Schedule Pressure Increases as Contractors Delay Key Events. GAO-17-137. 2017.
• High-Risk Series: Progress on Many High-Risk Areas, While Substantial Efforts Needed on Others. GAO-17-317. 2017.
• Space Acquisitions: DOD Continues to Face Challenges of Delayed Delivery of Critical Space Capabilities and Fragmented Leadership. GAO-17-619T. 2017.
• Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs. GAO-17-333SP. 2017.

• Commercial Space: FAA Should Examine How to Appropriately Regulate Space Shuttle Vehicles. GAO-17-100. 2016.
• Commercial Space Launch Insurance: Views Differ on Need for Change to Insurance Approach but Clarification Needed. GAO-17-88. 2016.
• Commercial Space: Industry Developments and FAA Challenges. GAO-16-765T. 2016.
• Polar Satellites: NOAA Faces Challenges and Uncertainties that Could Affect the Availability of Critical Weather Data. GAO-16-773T. 2016.
• Defense Space Acquisitions: Too Early to Determine if Recent Changes Will Resolve Persistent Fragmentation in Management and Oversight. GAO-16-592R. 2016.
• Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle: DOD Is Assessing Data on Worldwide Launch Market to Inform New Acquisition Strategy. GAO-16-661R. 2016.
• Defense Weather Satellites: DOD Faces Acquisition Challenges for Addressing Capability Needs. GAO-16-769T. 2016.
• Polar Weather Satellites: NOAA is Working to Ensure Continuity but Needs to Quickly Address Information Security Weaknesses and Future Program Uncertainties. GAO-16-359. 2016.
• NASA: Assessments of Major Projects. GAO-16-309SP. 2016.
• NASA: Preliminary Observations on Major Acquisition Projects and Management Challenges. GAO-16-461T. 2016.
• Space Acquisitions: Challenges Facing DOD as it Changes Approaches to Space Acquisitions. GAO-16-271T. 2016.
• Federal Aviation Administration: Commercial Space Launch Industry Developments Present Multiple Challenges. GAO-15-706. 2015.
• GPS: Actions Needed to Address Ground System Development Problems and User Equipment Production Readiness. GAO-15-657. 2015.
• Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle: The Air Force Needs To Adopt an Incremental Approach to Future Acquisition Planning to Enable Incorporation of Lessons Learned. GAO-15-263. 2015.
• Defense Satellite Communications: DOD Needs Additional Information to Improve Procurements. GAO-15-549. 2015.
• Space Acquisitions: Some Programs Have Overcome Past Problems, but Challenges and Uncertainty Remain for the Future. GAO-15-492T. 2015.
• Space Acquisitions: Space Based Infrared System Could Benefit from Technology Insertion Planning. GAO-15-366. 2015.
• Environmental Satellites: Improvements Needed in NOAA’s Mitigation Strategies as it Prepares for Potential Satellite Coverage Gaps. GAO-15-386T. 2015.
• Geostationary Weather Satellites: Launch Date Nears, but Remaining Schedule Risks Need to Be Addressed. GAO-15-60. 2015.
• Polar Weather Satellites: NOAA Needs to Prepare for Near-term Data Gaps. GAO-15-47. 2015.
• Space Acquisitions: DOD Needs More Guidance on Decision to Store Satellites. GAO-15-97R. 2014.
• DOD Space Systems: Additional Knowledge Would Better Support Decisions About Disaggregating Large Satellites. GAO-15-7. 2014.
• U.S. Launch Enterprise: Acquisition Best Practices Can Benefit Future Efforts. GAO-14-776T. 2014.
• Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs. GAO-14-340SP. 2014.
• Space Acquisitions: Acquisition Management Continues to Improve but Challenges Persist for Current and Future Programs. GAO-14-382T. 2014.
• Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle: Introducing Competition into National Security Space Launch Acquisitions. GAO-14-259T. 2014.
• The Air Force’s Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Competitive Procurement. GAO-14-377R. 2014.
• Space Acquisitions: Assessment of Overhead Persistent Infrared Technology Report. GAO-14-287R. 2014.
• GPS Disruptions: Efforts to Assess Risks to Critical Infrastructure and Coordinate Agency Actions Should be Enhanced. GAO-14-15. 2013.
• Focused Attention Needed to Improve Mitigation Strategies for Satellite Coverage Gaps. GAO-13-865T. 2013.
• Polar Weather Satellites: NOAA Identified Ways to Mitigate Data Gaps, but Contingency Plans and Schedules Require Futher Attention. GAO-13-676. 2013.
• Geostationary Weather Satellites: Progress Made, but Weaknesses in Scheduling, Contingency Planning, and Commuicating with Users Need to be Addressed. GAO-13-597. 2013.
• Defense Acquisition Workforce: The Air Force Needs to Evaluate Changes in Funding for Civilians Engaged in Space Acquisition. GAO-13-638. 2013.
• DOD Is Overcoming Long-Standing Problems, but Faces Challenges to Ensuring Its Investments Are Optimized. GAO-13-508T. 2013.
• Satellite Control: Long-Term Planning and Adoption of Commerical Practices Could Improve DOD’s Operations. GAO-13-315. 2013.
• Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs. GAO-13-294SP. 2013.
• Launch Services New Entrant Certification Guide. GAO-13-317R. 2013.
• Commercial Space Launches: FAA Should Update How it Assesses Federal Liability Risk. GAO-12-899. 2012.
• Department of Defense’s Waiver of Competitive Prototyping Requirement for Enhanced Polar System Program. GAO-12-983R. 2012.
• Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle: DOD Is Addressing Knowledge Gaps in Its New Acquisition Strategy. GAO-12-822. 2012.
• Environmental Satellites: Focused Attention Needed to Mitigate Program Risks. GAO-12-841T. 2012.
• Geostationary Weather Satellites: Design Progress Made, but Schedule Uncertainty Needs to be Addressed. GAO-12-576. 2012.
• Polar-orbiting Environmental Satellites: Changing Requirements, Technical Issues, and Looming Data Gaps Require Focused Attention. GAO-12-604. 2012.
• Commercial Space Launch Act: Preliminary Information on Issues to Consider for Reauthorization. GAO-12-767T. 2012.
• Space Acquisitions: DOD Faces Challenges in Fully Realizing Benefits of Satellite Acquisition Improvements. GAO-12-563T. 2012.
• Assessment of Selected Large Scale Projects. GAO-12-207SP. 2012.
• Office of Science and Technology Policy — Bilateral Activities with China. B-321982. 2011.
• Space Research: Content and Coodination of Space Science and Technology Strategy Need to be More Robust. GAO-11-722. 2011.
• Space Acquisitions: Development and Oversight Challenges in Delivering Improved Space Situational Awareness Capabilities. GAO-11-545. 2011.
• Space Acquisitions: DOD Delivering News Generations of Satellites, but Space System Acquisition Challenges Remain. GAO-11-590T. 2011.
• NASA Needs to Better Assess Contract Termination Liability Risks and Ensure Consistency in Its Practices. GAO-11-609R. 2011.
• Reimburseable Space Act Agreements: NASA Generally Adhering to Fair Reimbursement Controls, But Guidance on Waived Cost Justifications Needs Refinement. GAO-11-553R. 2011.
• Training Necessary to Address Data Reliability Issues in NASA Agreement Database and to Minimize Potential Competition with Commercial Sector. GAO-11-552R. 2011.
• Commercial Launch Vehicles: NASA Taking Measures to Manage Delays and Risks. GAO-11-692T. 2011.
• International Space Station (ISS) — Ongoing Assessments for Life Extension Appear to be Supported. GAO-11-519R. 2011.
• Commercial Space Transportation: Industry Trends and Key Issues Affecting Federal Oversight and International Competitiveness. GAO-11-629T. 2011.
• NASA: Assessments of Selected Large Scale Projects. GAO-11-239SP. 2011.
• Space Acquisitions: Challenges in Commercializing Technologies Developed Under the Small Business Innovation Research Program. GAO-11-21. 2010.
• Export Controls: Agency Actions and Proposed Reform Initiatives May Address Previously Identified Weaknesses, but Challenges Remain. GAO-11-135R. 2010.
• NASA: Issues Implementing the NASA Authorization Act of 2010. GAO-11-216T. 2010.
• NASA: Medium Launch Transition Strategy Leverages Ongoing Investments but Is Not Without Risk. GAO-11-107. 2010.
• Global Positioning System: Challenges in Sustaining and Upgrading Capabilities Persist. GAO-10-636. 2010.
• Export Controls: Observations on Selected Countries’Systems and Proposed Treaties. GAO-10-557. 2010.
• Environmental Satellites: Strategy Needed to Sustain Critical Climate and Space Weather Measurements. GAO-10-456. 2010.
• Space Acquisitions: DOD Poised to Enhance Space Capabilities, but Persistent Challenges Remain in Developing Space Systems. GAO-10-447T. 2010.
• NASA: Key Management and Program Challenges. GAO-10-387T. 2010.
• Briefing on Commercial and Department of Defense Space System Requirements and Acquisition Practices to Subcommittee on Defense, House Appropriations Committee. GAO-10315R. 2010.
• Status of GAO Recommendations to the Department of Defense (Fiscal Years 2001-2008). GAO-10-211R. 2009.
• Defense Acquisitions: Challenges in Aligning Space System Components. GAO-10-55. 2009.
• Polar-Orbiting Environmental Satellites: With Costs Increasing and Data Continuity at Risk, Improvements Needed in Tri-agency Decision Making. GAO-09-564. 2009.
• Polar-Orbiting Satellites: With Costs Increasing and Data Continuity at Risk, Improvements Needed in Tri-agency Decision Making. GAO-09-772T. 2009.
• Space Acquisitions: DOD Faces Substantial Challenges in Developing New Space Systems. GAO-09-705T. 2009.
• Global Positioning System: Significant Challenges in Sustaining and Upgrading Widely Used Capabilities. GAO-09-670T. 2009.
• Global Positioning System: Significant Challenges in Sustaining and Upgrading Widely Used Capabilities. GAO-09-325. 2009.
• Space Acquisitions: Government and Industry Partners Face Substantial Challenges in Developing New DOD Space Systems. GAO-09-648T. 2009.
• Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs. GAO-09-326SP. 2009.
• NASA: Constellation Program Cost and Schedule Will Remain Uncertain Until a Sound Business Case Is Established. GAO-09-844. 2009.
• NASA: Commercial Partners Are Making Progress, but Face Aggressive Schedules to Demonstrate Critical Space Station Cargo Transport Capabilities. GAO-09-618. 2009.
• NASA: Projects Need More Disciplined Oversight and Management to Address Key Challenges. GAO-09-436T. 2009.
• NASA: Assessments of Selected Large-Scale Projects. GAO-09-306SP. 2009.
• NASA Workforce: Responses to Follow-up Questions regarding the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Use of Term Appointments. GAO-09-356R. 2009.
• Property Management: NASA’s Goal of Increasing Equipment Reutilization May Fall Short without Further Efforts. GAO-09-187. 2009.
• Inspectors General: Actions Needed to Improve Audit Coverage of NASA. GAO-09-88. 2009.
• Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites: Acquisition Is Under Way, but Improvements Needed in Management and Oversight. GAO-09-323. 2009.
• Space Acquisitions: DOD’s Goals for Resolving Space Based Infrared System Software Problems Are Ambitious. GAO-08-1073. 2008.
• Space Acquisitions: Uncertainties in the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program Pose Management and Oversight Challenges. GAO-08-1039. 2008.
• Defense Space Activities: DOD Needs to Further Clarify the Operationally Responsive Space Concept and Plan to Integrate and Support Future Satellites. GAO-08-831. 2008.
• Environmental Satellites: Polar-orbiting Satellite Acquisition Faces Delays; Decisions Needed on Whether and How to Ensure Climate Data Continuity. GAO-08-899T. 2008.
• Environmental Satellites: Polar-orbiting Satellite Acquisition Faces Delays; Decisions Needed on Whether and How to Ensure Climate Data Continuity. GAO-08-518. 2008.
• Space Acquisitions: DOD Is Making Progress to Rapidly Deliver Low Cost Space Capabilities, but Challenges Remain. GAO-08-516. 2008.
• Defense Space Activities: National Security Space Strategy Needed to Guide Future DOD Space Efforts. GAO-08-431R. 2008.
• Space Acquisitions: Major Space Programs Still at Risk for Cost and Schedule Increases. GAO-08-552T. 2008.
• NASA: Agency Faces Challenges Defining Scope and Costs of Space Shuttle Transition and Retirement. GAO-08-1096. 2008.
• NASA Workforce: Briefing on National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Use of Term Appointments. GAO-08-920R. 2008.
• NASA: Challenges in Completing and Sustaining the International Space Station. GAO-08-581T. 2008.
• NASA: Ares I and Orion Project Risks and Key Indicators to Measure Progress. GAO-08-186T. 2008.
• Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs. GAO-07-406SP. 2007.
• Space Acquisitions: Actions Needed to Expand and Sustain Use of Best Practices. GAO-07-730T. 2007.
• Space Acquisitions: Improvements Needed in Space Systems Acquisitions and Keys to Achieving Them. GAO-06-626T. 2006.
• Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Major Weapon Programs. GAO-06-391. 2006.
• Defense Acquisitions: Incentives and Pressures That Drive Problems Affecting Satellite and Related Acquisitions. GAO-05-570R. 2005.
• Space Acquisitions: Stronger Development Practices and Investment Planning Needed to Address Continuing Problems. GAO-05-891T. 2005.
• Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Major Weapon Programs. GAO-05-301. 2005.
• Defense Acquisitions: Space-Based Radar Effort Needs Additional Knowledge before Starting Development. GAO-04-759. 2004.
• Defense Acquisitions: Risks Posed by DOD’s New Space Systems Acquisition Policy. GAO-04-379R. 2004.
• Defense Acquisitions: Stronger Management Practices Are Needed to Improve DOD’s Software-Intensive Weapon Acquisitions. GAO-04-393. 2004.
• Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Major Weapon Programs. GAO-04-248. 2004.
• Defense Acquisitions: Improvements Needed in Space Systems Acquisition Management Policy. GAO-03-1073. 2003.
• Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Major Weapon Programs. GAO-03-476. 2003.
• Military Space Operations: Common Problems and Their Effects on Satellite and Related Acquisitions. GAO-03-825R. 2003.