By 
December 7th, 2016
Big eye in space – the James Webb Space Telescope.
Credit: NASA
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is one of NASA’s most complex and expensive projects, at an anticipated cost of $8.8 billion.
Now in the midst of significant integration and testing that will last the two remaining years until the planned October 2018 launch date, the JWST project will need to continue to address many challenges and identify problems, some likely to be revealed during its rigorous testing.
Credit: GAO
According to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, “the continued success of JWST hinges on NASA’s ability to anticipate, identify, and respond to these challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet its commitments.”
Independent analysis
This is the fifth report from the GAO on JWST.
This report assesses the extent to which JWST is (1) managing technological and developmental challenges to meet its schedule commitments, and (2) meeting its committed cost levels and managing its workforce plans.
Credit: NASA
To conduct this work, GAO reviewed monthly JWST reports, reviewed relevant policies, conducted independent analysis of NASA and contractor data, and interviewed NASA and contractor officials.
Resources
Take a look at this GAO review:
James Webb Space Telescope: Project Meeting Cost and Schedule Commitments but Continues to Use Reserves to Address Challenges. GAO-17-71, December 7, 2016.
Go to:
Report: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-71
Highlights: http://www.gao.gov/assets/690/681471.pdf
Posted in Space News
