Survey of cost models for space telescopes

Abstract

Parametriccost models are routinely used to plan missions, compare concepts,and justify technology investments. However, great care is required. Thereis a lot of confusion and wrong information for spacetelescopes. Cost estimating relationships based on primary mirror diameter varyby an order of magnitude. Cost estimating relationships based onlyon mass lack sufficient detail to support concept analysis andcan lead to inaccurate conclusions by encouraging excessively complex andtechnologically immature solutions. Similarly, using ground-based models leads to incorrectconclusions. This work surveys current and historical published cost modelsfor space telescopes while attempting to interpret them in acommon logical framework to enable a systematic intercomparison. ©2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers