Space Shuttle Program Life-Cycle Cost Analysis: Retrospective Assessment

What is it about?

This study examines how much NASA's Space Shuttle Program actually cost compared to what was initially predicted. We found that early cost estimates were far too optimistic. By analyzing NASA budget documents spanning over four decades (1971-2013), we calculated that the total program cost reached approximately $254.5 billion in today's dollars—significantly higher than original projections. This research provides the first complete financial picture of the Space Shuttle Program after its conclusion, offering valuable lessons about the challenges of budgeting for complex space exploration initiatives.

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