Cost-engineering modeling to support rapid concept development of an advanced infrared satellite system

摘要

Abstract: Current architectural and design trade techniques oftencarry unaffordable alternatives late into the decisionprocess. Early decisions made during the conceptexploration and development (CE&D) phase will drive thecost of a program more than any other phase ofdevelopment; thus, designers must be able to assessboth the performance and cost impacts of their earlychoices. The Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) costengineering model (CEM) described in this paper is anend-to-end process integrating engineering and costexpertise through commonly available spreadsheetsoftware, allowing for concurrent design engineeringand cost estimation to identify and balance systemdrives to reduce acquisition costs. The automatedinterconnectivity between subsystem models usingspreadsheet software allows for the quick andconsistent assessment of the system design impacts andrelative cost impacts due to requirement changes. It isdifferent from most CEM efforts attempted in the pastas it incorporates more detailed spacecraft and sensorpayload models, and has been applied to determine thecost drivers for an advanced infrared satellite systemacquisition. The CEM is comprised of integrateddetailed engineering and cost estimating relationshipsdescribing performance, design, and cost parameters.Detailed models have been developed to evaluate designparameters for the spacecraft bus and sensor; bothstep-starer and scanner sensor types incorporate modelsof focal plane array, optics, processing, thermal,communications, and mission performance. The currentCEM effort has provided visibility to requirements,design, and cost drivers for system architects anddecision makers to determine the configuration of aninfrared satellite architecture that meets essentialrequirements cost effectively. In general, themethodology described in this paper consists of processbuilding blocks that can be tailored to the needs ofmany applications. Descriptions of the spacecraft andpayload subsystem models provide insight into TheAerospace Corporation expertise and scope of the SBIRSconcept development effort. !5