Cost sensitivity as a selectionissue for future economic space transportation systems
Abstract
A number of reusable launch systems have been proposed as a potential means of reducing the cost of space transportation. Each system depends in different ways on an advanced technology and sensitivity to design assumptions to achieve the performance required. Since the development cost for such a vehicle is expected to be high, commitment to such a program is inhibited by the perceived uncertainties and risks associated with any particular vehicle. By treating the uncertainties associated with different systems as risks either in development or operation, and by quantifying the risks as costs, it should be possible to compare different proposals with different risk areas on an equal basis. This paper presents such a methodology by using a sub-system level cost model applied to parametric models of a number of rocket-powered single- and two-stage options for future reusable space transportation systems.
- Publication:
-
AIAA Computing in Aerospace 10
- Pub Date:
- 1995
- Bibcode:
- 1995aiaa.conf.....P
- Keywords:
-
- Cost Analysis;
- Cost Estimates;
- Life Cycle Costs;
- Mathematical Models;
- Operating Costs;
- Reusable Launch Vehicles;
- Risk;
- Aircraft Performance;
- Design To Cost;
- Margins;
- Mass Ratios;
- Performance Prediction;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles