GAO: Increased commercial use of ranges underscores need for improved cost recovery

The Department of Defense expects to spend billions of dollars over the next five years to launch hundreds of satellites into space. Private companies conduct these launches at federal launch sites, called ranges. Companies also use the ranges to launch commercial satellites.

As government and commercial launches have increased, so too has the strain on range infrastructure. DOD can bill companies for their use of the ranges but has struggled to accurately calculate these costs.

As a result, DOD may be missing opportunities to collect millions of dollars that could support infrastructure improvements.

Read more at Government Accountability Office