The economics of satellite maintenance

The primary goal of the space transportation system - to reduce the cost of space programs while satisfying their mission requirements - can be enhanced by the proper choice of a satellite-maintenance concept. This paper develops the life-cycle costs of performing an automated satellite program during the shuttle era in three competitive modes: expendable, ground-refurbishable, and in-orbit maintainable. In-orbit maintenance is shown to be the most economic maintenance mode for both low- and high-earth orbits.