Small satellites: cost methodologies and remote sensing issues

摘要

Abstract: Increasing interest in small satellites has generated a need for detailed information regarding the capabilities and costs of such systems. Of specific interest are comparisons of the cost- effectiveness of small satellites for remote sensing applications with the more traditional large satellites. An additional issue is whether small satellite acquisition philosophies actually enable cost reductions at acceptable levels of risk. To address these issues a series of studies has been conducted at The Aerospace Corporation over the past five years. A large database of cost, technical, and performance characteristics has been assembled for small satellites actually flown or in late stages of development. A small satellite cost model (SSCM) has been derived from this database with cost-estimating relationships (CERs) based largely on small satellite performance characteristics. Associated risk analysis techniques and cost-engineering models (CEMs) have also been formulated, with the SSCM functioning as the central engine for cost analysis of small satellite approaches. These and other tools are applicable to a wide range of small remote sensing satellite analyses. !16