Advanced Cost Model for Space Concepts Development

While suitable estimating methods exist to cost the development and production of space systems planned for the near term, using understood technologies, concepts planned with still-immature technologies (Technology Readiness Level 3) are very difficult to cost. This already poses a significant challenge for advanced concept planning. As the pace of technological change increases, the horizon will continue to contract and concepts may become yet more difficult to cost. Galorath intends to develop a model for costing advanced space concepts containing critical technologies that are at low readiness levels at time of evaluation. The model will be automated except for pre-defined inputs. Potentially, it also will be able to accept customized inputs, reflecting expert knowledge of novel future configurations. The model would ideally be developed as a plug-in to Galorath's SEER-H hardware development and production costing model. This model currently is used to cost near-term space missions, and the SEER-H customer base would be receptive first adopters of this enhancement.