Citation
Abstract
This article suggests a model for making long-range-planning cost estimates for DSN support of future space missions. The model Is a function of major mission-cost drivers, such as maintenance and operations, downlink frequency upgrade, uplink frequency upgrade, telemetry upgrade, antenna gain/noise temperature, radiometric accuracy upgrade, radio science upgrade, and very long baseline interferometry. The model is derived from actual cost data from three space missions: Voyager (Uranus), Voyager (Neptune), and Magellan. The model allows one to estimate the total cost and the cost over time of a similar future space mission. The model was back-tested against the three projects—Voyager (U), Voyager (N), and Magellan—and gave cost estimates that range from 17 percent below to 19 percent above actual mission-preparation costs. The model was also compared with two other independent projects: Mariner Jupiter/Saturn (MJS later becarne Voyager) and Viking. The model gave total preparation-cost estimates that range from 15 percent above to 4 percent below actual total preparation costs for MJS and Viking, respectively.
Details
- Volume
- 42-106
- Published
- August 15, 1991
- Pages
- 404–415
- File Size
- 442.4 KB