The DoD has had long-standing difficulties developing and delivering space systems on time and within budget. Attempts to reform DoD space acquisitions in the past have sought to leverage commercial approaches or rely more on the commercial sector to meet DoD needs. This report examined the following questions: (1) What are the differences between commercial and national security space system missions, requirements, and technology development? (2) What acquisition practices adopted by commercial co¿s. could be used for national security space system acquisitions? (3) Which acquisition practices adopted by commercial co¿s. may not be readily adaptable for national security space system acquisitions? Charts and tables.

The majority of large-scale acquisition programs in the DoD space portfolio have experienced problems during the past two decades that have driven up cost and schedules and increased technical risks. Along with the cost increases, many programs are experiencing significant schedule delays -- as much as 7 years -- resulting in potential capability gaps in areas such as positioning, navigation, and timing; missile warning; and weather monitoring. This testimony focuses on: (1) the condition of space acquisitions; (2) causal factors; (3) observations on the space industrial base; and (4) recommendations for better positioning programs and industry for success. Illustrations.

GAO-05-570R Defense Acquisitions: Incentives and Pressures That Drive Problems Affecting Satellite and Related Acquisitions