International Space Station (ISS): Planning for the Extension of Utilization Through 2020, including Spare Parts, Safety, and Reliability - GAO Study of NASA Plans

In 2010 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was authorized to extend the life of the International Space Station (ISS) from 2015 through at least September 30, 2020. Gauging the feasibility of doing so is quite complex. Among the factors to be assessed are the reliability of key components, NASA's ability to deliver spares to the ISS, the projected life of structures that cannot be replaced, and the health of systems that affect safety. While some empirical data exist, th…