Military Space Programs: Comprehensive Analysis Needed and Cost Savings Available (Testimony, 04/14/94, GAO/T-NSIAD-94-164)
Originally designed to relay messages during global nuclear war, the
costly Milstar satellite system could be scaled back to save more than
$2 billion. Both Milstar and the Defense Support System (DSP), meant to
detect ballistic missile launches, are products of the Cold War and need
to be adapted to tactical warfare in regional conflicts. The Pentagon's
decision to scrap the most recent DSP follow-on program and start anew
provides an opportunity to fully assess the need for early missile
warning information. The Defense Department's (DOD) plans to replace
DSP with Alert, Locate, and Report Missiles (ALARM) requires a
comprehensive analysis that includes (1) reviewing and validating
operational requirements, (2) selecting the most cost-effective
alternative from plausible candidate systems, (3) ensuring that the
system selected is affordable, (4) demonstrating that the transition
from DSP to ALARM will avoid coverage gaps, and (5) evaluating the
launch vehicle implications for DSP. Regarding Milstar, GAO believes
that DOD could save more than $2 billion if it opted not to acquire the
last two satellites under the current plan. This decision would require
the accelerated development of an enhanced Milstar that is smaller,
lighter, cheaper, and capable of being launched on a smaller vehicle
than the Titan IV. This accelerated development would entail some
additional investment in the short run.
--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------
REPORTNUM: T-NSIAD-94-164
TITLE: Military Space Programs: Comprehensive Analysis Needed and
Cost Savings Available
DATE: 04/14/94
SUBJECT: Warning systems
Defense cost control
Defense contingency planning
Military satellites
Cost effectiveness analysis
Defense operations
Tactical air forces
Telecommunications operations
Electronic warfare
IDENTIFIER: Defense Support Program
Alert, Locate, and Report Missiles System
MILSTAR
Air Force Advanced Warning System
SDI Boost Surveillance and Tracking System
Follow-On Early Warning System
Persian Gulf War
Scud Missile
Patriot Air Defense System
Titan IV Rocket
DOD Future Years Defense Program
Atlas Missile
DOD Bottom-Up Review
Military Strategic and Tactical Relay Satellite
Communications System
BSTS
ALARM
Strategic Defense Initiative Program
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