NASA lacks adequate funding to launch its new heavy-lift US$12 billion deep-space rocket, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office's (GAO).

The Space Launch System (SLS) that will become NASA's most advanced rocket system once completed is some US$400 million short of funding for its first test flight set for December 2017.

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SLS is being developed to bring astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft farther into space. It will allow space travel to destinations that include Mars and asteroids.

NASA is using its current hardware and infrastructure to the maximum to commence its deep space missions.

GAO warned that NASA is at "high risk" of missing the scheduled initial flight test. This will further delay to the program.

Last week, NASA engineers installed the first RS-25 engine on the A1-Test Stand. Four RS-25 engines will power the SLS core.

"Installation of RS-25 engine signals the launch of another major rocket engine test project for human space exploration," said Gary Benton, project manager of the rocket engine.

NASA needs to mend its budget shortfalls to continue with the program. The space agency has failed to create a business case to match the schedule mandated by the Congress to keep within the program cost.

"They can't meet the date with the money they have," said GAO.

NASA's response was to say it's figuring out ways to solve the budget problems. It did not, however, clearly state how it intends to make-up the shortfall or if it will try to find other funding sources.

TagsNASA, Government Accountability Office, RS-25 Engine, Space Launch System