United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 2006-04-27 monographic deposited born digital 29 p. GA 1.13:GAO-06-445 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-445 P0b002ee180388200 f:d06445 DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-28 GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-445 machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-445 GAO-06-445 Accountability Financial analysis Future budget projections Mission budgeting Program evaluation Program management Space exploration Strategic planning Communication devices Aerospace research Deep Space Network Other Written Product A52659 The President's Vision for Space Exploration calls for human and robotic missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. In response, over the next two decades, NASA may spend $100 billion on new technologies and facilities that will require reliable ground communications to achieve those missions. Presently, that communications capability is provided by NASA's Deep Space Network--a system of antennas located at three sites around the world. However, the Network faces challenges that may hinder its provision of current and future mission support. This report discusses (1) the significant operational challenges faced by the Deep Space Network and (2) the extent to which NASA is integrating the Network into its future communications plans. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-445/html/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-445.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-445/pdf/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-445.pdf GAO-06-445 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-445 Other Written Product GAO-06-445; NASA's Deep Space Network: Current Management Structure Is Not Conducive to Effectively Matching Resources with Future Requirements; Accountability Financial analysis Future budget projections Mission budgeting Program evaluation Program management Space exploration Strategic planning Communication devices Aerospace research Deep Space Network Public Law 109-108 Public Law 109-155 Conf. Rept. 109-272