"A Computer and Processor Analysis: Developing Cost Relationships and F" by Dawson J. Vasconi

Date of Award

3-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Brandon M. Lucas, PhD

Abstract

By establishing the United States Space Force in 2019, the United States recognized the space domain as a primary focus and prioritized the rapid fielding, amplification, and development of their space enterprise. One step to dominate the domain is to efficiently manage costs within the USSF space satellite portfolio. To achieve this step, it is paramount to understand the importance of lower-level cost driving components, like microelectronics, within the work breakdown structure (WBS) of each space satellite program. In this thesis, one area of cost-driving microelectronic is investigated within the lower-level of the WBS: computers and processors. These components on board space satellites act as a core hardware mechanism to assist the USSF in meeting mission requirements to dominate the domain. Over time, the importance of computers and processors have only increased, and cost analysts need to understand potential generational changes associated to cost and their future estimates. To investigate these changes, this research develops one cost estimating relationship (CER) and creates several cost factors for computers and processors in the USSF space satellite portfolio. Component weight remains a key predictive variable for cost, but the results suggest that generational changes do not always affect computer and processor hardware costs.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-24-M-173

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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