"Discerning Satellite Subsystem Costs to Improve Cost Estimation" by Ryan A. Candella

Date of Award

3-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Jonathan Ritschel, PhD

Abstract

The race for supremacy in the space environment is accelerating, with the United States taking a significant step by establishing its dedicated military branch for space operations. Achieving dominance in this realm relies on efficiently managing costs and securing rapid funding to initiate new programs. One step towards accomplishing this goal is to comprehend the cost distribution across the primary components of a Space Vehicle Bus and to delve into lower-level Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements for more precise and expeditious cost estimations. To achieve this, descriptive statistics for a variety of Bus subsystem WBS elements are provided in this study. Additionally, this research helps facilitate data selection decisions when developing Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs). Over the years, there have been transformations in satellite sizes, shapes, orbits, and mission requirements. Cost practitioners must make decisions on how to model and/or segregate data by these characteristics when developing their estimates. This research provides a flowchart for practitioners to follow when making data decisions for their CERs. It is recommended that cost practitioners initially filter by mission or orbit types. The subsequent level of separation suggests filtering based on shape, but the loss of data points may make this infeasible in some instances. Satellite size is also considered, but not recommended.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-24-M-111

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.

Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.

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