A new body--the Joint Government/Industry Space Cost Analysis and Estimating Improvement Council.

* A new body--the Joint Government/Industry Space Cost Analysis and Estimating Improvement Council--has been formed in an effort to bridge huge differences in the estimated costs of military space programmes.

The new body is expected to bring government and industry cost estimates closer together. A statement by the US Aerospace Industries Association notes that, for years, a wide gulf between government and industry space programme cost calculations has caused planning and funding issues. According to the AIA, leaders have expressed concern about the perceived lack of transparency and understanding between the sides, and poor performing programmes and significant cost growth have hampered the industry.