[Satellite TODAY 11-03-09] Satellites, ground control systems, and user terminals in most of the U.S. Military’s major space system acquisitions are not optimally aligned, leading to underutilized satellites and limited capability provided to the warfighter, according to a study released Nov. 2 by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
    The GAO analyzed eight major space system acquisitions in its study. For five of the eight major space systems GAO reviewed, user terminals were to become operational after their associated satellites reach initial capability and in some cases, years after. Poorly aligned systems lead to diminished capability and added costs for the U.S. Department of Defense, according to the study.
    While the GAO recognizes that the Pentagon does have efforts in place to help achieve better synchronization – with the U.S. Air Force trying to improve acquisition management and increase oversight of contractors by separating the acquisition of satellites and their ground control systems – there is a lack of guidance needed to help plan for and coordinate the development of satellite and ground systems and a lack of transparency into costs for ground control systems and user terminals, according to the report.