Cost-effective mission operations

Abstract

The present paper identifies and evaluates the various methodologies for performing cost-effective mission operations within the general framework of the ‘Faster, Cheaper, and Better’ paradigm. Emphasis is placed on the mission system engineering process which represents the overall context in which life-cycle costeffectiveness must be measured. The paper analyzes the mission system engineering process in which ground system design and mission operations are performed and illustrates how the characteristics of that environment determine their costs. The most effective cost-saving management and engineering methods with relevance to mission operations will be evaluated. Specific characteristics will be highlighted by reference to APL's interplanetary mission NEAR launched on February 17, 1996.