Summary: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is acquiring shuttle facilities to support the Space Transportation System. A review of the shuttle facility program focused on the current cost, schedule, and performance status. In late 1971, NASA established a $300 million target to acquire the facilities needed. Through fiscal year 1977, Congress appropriated $259 million in construction of facilities funds for 52 shuttle facilities. Of these, 15 are complete, and construction has started on 29 others. The remaining eight projects are scheduled to begin construction in calendar year 1977. Congress also approved $21.5 million in research and development funds for major engine test and assembly facilities at Santa Susana and Canoga Park, California.
The NASA commitment to acquire the necessary facilities for $300 million in 1971 dollars lacked some documentation and definition. Therefore, it could not be used as a baseline against which the progress of the shuttle facility program could be assessed. Based on NASA's current estimate of $458.2 million, a net increase, including inflation, of $48.2 million has occurred since the program's inception. The current estimate is not, however, completely supported by documentation, and does not include at least $66.3 million for additional shuttle-related facility work.
