Balancing performance and cost for cost-effective satellite systems design using an integrated cost engineering model

The Early Warning Systems (EWS) application cost engineering model (CEM) described in this paper integrates the efforts of several engineering specialists and cost analysts into one process, allowing for concurrent design engineering and cost estimation. The cost engineering model (CEM) process facilitates the mapping of broader “what-if” design trades and narrower “if-what” trades for a complex system, through identification of requirements and key parameters that drive cost and performance. It facilitates detailed “budget” level cost estimates. It has been successfully applied to a major satellite concept development. The CEM described is comprised of integrated detailed engineering and cost estimating relationships describing the performance, characteristics, and design parameters of the components and subsystems required for a space-based infrared sensing system. Models have been developed to evaluate design parameters. The automated interconnectivity between subsystem models using spreadsheet software allows for the quick assessment of the system design impacts due to requirement changes. Since the engineering models are directly linked to cost estimating relationships, the relative cost impact of varying levels of requirements can be assessed through the resulting system design changes. This CEM effort has provided a vital capability for decision makers in determining the configuration of a satellite architecture that meets essential requirements cost effectively