Space sled, phase A. Cost report

Detailed cost estimates, based on a low cost approach, are established for the development and manufacture of Space Sled, in order to demonstrate the costwise feasibility of the project within a low-ceiling budget. Initial cost estimations are made transparent, prime cost impacts are identified, and subsequently cost estimates are subjected to a reduction process. It is shown that the major cost element is manpower; parts and material contribute much less to the total cost, thus offering less potential for savings. Hence emphasis must be retained on keeping a low manpower profile, avoiding any non-essential tasks, limiting project statussing and reporting, avoiding engineering changes as well as accepting reliability risks.