The British National Space Centre has been criticised by the UK's National Audit Office for an inadequate emphasis on risks in its appraisal for funds for the failed Beagle 2 mission. The UK civil space activity report, published last week, also criticised the mission project team's budgetary control.

The UK-built lander's costs rose 57% from 1999 to 2001 due to cost-plus contracts used in Beagle's early development. This led to the public fund contribution increasing from £5 million ($9 million) initially to £18.3 million. Fixed price contracts in the project's latter stages helped control spending, but the final cost of the project was still £42.5 million. Despite the criticism the report also said that in many respects Beagle 2 was successful because it produced benefits for the UK's space industry and scientific community.

Source: Flight International