Haley Stevens: “In discussions with the Air Force early this month, the Defense Subcommittee learned about a potentially serious problem…”

“In discussions with the Air Force early this month, the Defense Subcommittee learned about a potentially serious problem with the financing mechanisms governing Air Force support of the Cassini mission to Saturn sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA]. In addition, potential problems have been identified with the funding of on-orbit incentives for several Air Force satellite programs. The Cassini-related issue centers on the question of how much of the funds reimbursed to the service by NASA, can the Air Force use to finance the Titan IV/Centaur heavy-lift expendable launch vehicle programs. There is no problem with the amount of reimbursement, or with NASA's willingness to pay these funds. The problem apparently arises due to legal interpretation of the statute governing interagency exchanges of goods and services. The subcommittee has been informed that resolution of this problem should occur early this year to avoid significant impacts on the Titan IV/Centaur space programs. Similarly, early resolution may be needed for the on-orbit incentives dilemma the Air Force faces.”