Examined NextGen Challenges, NASA Research

Space Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX) held a hearing late last week titled "Transforming America’s Air Travel" reviewing research programs within NASA and the FAA. The hearing also reviewed challenges within the FAA’s NextGen system, including cyber security concerns.

“While we currently enjoy the benefits of our nation’s early investments in aeronautics R&D, other nations are now attempting to challenge our leadership," chairman Babin said. "In order to maintain our leadership, we must strategically prioritize our government investments, provide a competitive environment for industry, and coordinate and clearly define public and private sector efforts to maximize efficiencies and minimize duplication that may crowd-out investment.
 
“NextGen continues to lack clearly defined cost, schedule, and performance parameters. Last year, the FAA Inspector General testified that the initial cost estimate of $40 billion split between federal and private sector investment could double or triple, and that implementation could take an additional decade. This is unacceptable. Congress either needs better baselines and metrics to track progress, or a different plan from the FAA. Respected and knowledgeable experts, such as the Government Accountability Office and the National Research Council, have also warned that cyber security should play a more prominent role in NextGen development.”
 
NextGen is the proposal to transform America’s air traffic control system from a ground-based system to a satellite-based system. Just this week, the Department of Transportation Inspector General announced it is launching an audit of NextGen research and development.

FMI: http://science.house.gov