Development of the small satellite cost model (SSCM) edition 2002

Abstract

0-7803-7651-X/03/$17.00 © 2003 IEEE IEEEAC paper #1159, Updated December 19, 2002 Abstract⎯The paradigm shift in the late 1980’s from large satellites to small satellites required that new methodologies be developed to assess their cost. In 1991, The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace) began to study small satellites to better understand the design principles that were being employed in their implementation. One of the outcomes of this work was the development of the Small Satellite Cost Model (SSCM). This model estimates subsystemand system-level costs for satellites weighing less than 1000 kg using cost estimating relationships (CERs) derived from actual costs and technical parameters. This paper discusses the history and development of SSCM, with the primary focus on the changes implemented in the newest edition of the model. Future enhancements to the model will also be discussed.