Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “program costs”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5

Propulsion for the lunar mission

The paper describes the selection process utilized by NASA during the conduct of the 90-day study of the mission set that is known as the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). It is directed specifically toward propulsion system definition and selection, with emphasis on the proposed Lunar Transfer Vehicle and the Lunar Exploration Vehicle. Results of trade studies show that selection cannot be readily made on the basis of engine performance alone, because the cost of launching hardware elements and the required propellant are very high. A decision must be made to use either life-cycle costs or annual program costs as the economic figure of merit, because they drive the selection in opposite directions.

Jones, Lee W.↗

Cost-estimating relationships for space programs

Cost-estimating relationships (CERs) are defined and discussed as they relate to the estimation of theoretical costs for space programs. The paper primarily addresses CERs based on analogous relationships between physical and performance parameters to estimate future costs. Analytical estimation principles are reviewed examining the sources of errors in cost models, and the use of CERs is shown to be affected by organizational culture. Two paradigms for cost estimation are set forth: (1) the Rand paradigm for single-culture single-system methods; and (2) the Price paradigms that incorporate a set of cultural variables. For space programs that are potentially subject to even small cultural changes, the Price paradigms are argued to be more effective. The derivation and use of accurate CERs is important for developing effective cost models to analyze the potential of a given space program.

Mandell, Humboldt C., Jr.↗

Advanced transportation system studies technical area 3: Alternate propulsion subsystem concepts, volume 3

The objective of this contract was to provide definition of alternate propulsion systems for both earth-to-orbit (ETO) and in-space vehicles (upper stages and space transfer vehicles). For such propulsion systems, technical data to describe performance, weight, dimensions, etc. was provided along with programmatic information such as cost, schedule, needed facilities, etc. Advanced technology and advanced development needs were determined and provided. This volume separately presents the various program cost estimates that were generated under three tasks: the F-1A Restart Task, the J-2S Restart Task, and the SSME Upper Stage Use Task. The conclusions, technical results, and the program cost estimates are described in more detail in Volume 1 - Executive Summary and in individual Final Task Reports.

Levak, Daniel↗

Design guide for space shuttle low-cost payloads

A handbook is presented which delineates the principles of the new low-cost design methodology for designers of unmanned payloads to be carried by the space shuttle. The basic relationships between payload designs and program cost effects are discussed, and some concepts for designing low-cost payloads and implementing low-cost programs are given. The data are summarized from a payloads effects study of three unmanned earth satellites (OAO, a syneq orbiter, and a small research satellite), and the earth satellite design is emphasized. Brief summaries of space shuttle and space tug performance, environmental, and interface data pertinent to low-cost payload concepts are included.

Source record↗

Life cycle cost based program decisions

The following subject areas are covered: background (space propulsion facility assessment team final report); changes (Advanced Launch System, National Aerospace Plane, and space exploration initiative); life cycle cost analysis rationale; and recommendation to panel.

Dick, James S.↗

Nuclear electric propulsion mission engineering study development program and costs estimates, Phase 2 review

The results are presented of the second six-month performance period of the Nuclear Electric Propulsion Mission Engineering Study. A brief overview of the program, identifying the study objectives and approach, and a discussion of the program status and schedule are presented. The program results are reviewed and key conclusions to date are summarized. Planned effort for the remainder of the program is reviewed.

Source record↗

Space shuttle phase B. Volume 2: Technical summary, addendum A

A study was conducted to analyze the characteristics and performance data for the booster vehicles to be used with the space shuttle operations. It was determined that the single pressure-fed booster offered the lowest program cost per flight of the pressure-fed booster arrangements studied. The fly back booster required the highest peak annual funding and highest program cost. It was recommended that the pressure-fed booster, series burn with liquid oxygen phase, be continued for further study. The flyback booster study was discontinued. Both solid and liquid propelled booster vehicles with 14 by 45 foot and 15 by 60 foot payload orbiters were considered.

Source record↗

Analysis of advanced programs (Study 2.3). Volume 1: Executive summary

An analysis of advanced programs for space missions is presented. The subjects discussed are (1) alternate space shuttle configurations, (2) space transportation systems, (3) computer programs and methodology to estimate program cost implications of space vehicle program uncertainties, (4) vehicle synthesis program, (5) relative effectiveness of various proposals for space vehicles, and (6) cost analysis of solid propellant rocket engine program to support space shuttle vehicle.

Source record↗

Designing for Maintainability and System Availability

The final goal for a delivered system (whether a car, aircraft, avionics box or computer) should be its availability to operate and perform its intended function over its expected design life. Hence, in designing a system, we cannot think in terms of delivering the system and just walking away. The system supplier needs to provide support throughout the operating life of the product. Here, supportability requires an effective combination of reliability, maintainability, logistics and operations engineering (as well as safety engineering) to have a system that is available for its intended use throughout its designated mission lifetime. Maintainability is a key driving element in the effective support and upkeep of the system as well as providing the ability to modify and upgrade the system throughout its lifetime. This paper then, will concentrate on maintainability and its integration into the system engineering and design process. The topics to be covered include elements of maintainability, the total cost of ownership, how system availability, maintenance and logistics costs and spare parts cost effect the overall program costs. System analysis and maintainability will show how maintainability fits into the overall systems approach to project development. Maintainability processes and documents will focus on how maintainability is to be performed and what documents are typically generated for a large scale program. Maintainability analysis shows how trade-offs can be performed for various alternative components. The conclusions summarize the paper and are followed by specific problems for hands-on training.

Lalli, Vincent R.↗

Modular space station Phase B extension NASA administrator's review

The preliminary design, reference program, costs, and sortie and program options for the modular space station are outlined. The Phase B has a barbell configuration baseline with a manipulator. The baseline includes two capability plateaus, a 6-man station followed after five years by growth to a 12-man station. It is concluded that a common development approach is the most cost effective and flexible system. The system includes a module to support automated payload servicing, a set of sortie labs, and the cargo modules, RAMs, and space station modules. These would be developed and operated in conjunction with the space shuttle.

Source record↗

Operations analysis (study 2.1). Volume 1: Executive summary

Subjects related to future STS operations concepts were investigated. The majority of effort was directed at assessing the benefits of automated space servicing concepts as related to improvements in payload procurement and shuttle utilization. Another subject was directed at understanding shuttle upper stage software development and recurring costs relative to total program projections. Space serving of automated payloads is addressed by examining the broad spectrum of payload applications with the belief that shared logistic operations will be a major contributor to reduction of future program costs. However, there are certain requirements for support of payload operations, such as availability of the payload, that may place demands upon the shuttle fleet. Because future projections of the NASA Mission Model are only representative of the payload traffic, it is important to recognize that it is the general character of operations that is significant rather than service to any single payload program.

Wolfe, R. R.↗

Modular space station Phase B extension

The modular space station concept and preliminary design are outlined. The premission operations, reference programs, baseline program costs, sortie analysis, and program options are covered.

Cole, E. G.↗

Life support system definition for a low cost shuttle launched space station.

Discussion of the tradeoffs and EC/LS definition for a low cost shuttle launched space station to be launched in the late 1970s for use as a long-term manned scientific laboratory. The space station consists of 14-ft-diam modules, clustered together to support a six-man crew at the initial space station (ISS) level and a 12-man crew at the growth space station (GSS) level. Key design guidelines specify low initial cost and low total program cost and require two separate pressurized habitable compartments with independent lift support capability. The methodology used to select the EC/LS design consisted of systematically reducing quantitative parameters to a common denominator of cost. This approach eliminates many of the inconsistencies that can occur in such decision making. The EC/LS system selected is a partially closed system which recovers urine, condensate, and wash water and concentrates crew expired CO2 for use in a low thrust resistojet propulsion system.

Nelson, W. G.↗

Earth Observatory Satellite system definition study. Report 3: Design cost trade-off studies and recommendations

An analysis of the design and cost tradeoff aspects of the Earth Observatory Satellite (EOS) development is presented. The design/cost factors that affect a series of mission/system level concepts are discussed. The subjects considered are as follows: (1) spacecraft subsystem cost tradeoffs, (2) ground system cost tradeoffs, and (3) program cost summary. Tables of data are provided to summarize the results of the analyses. Illustrations of the various spacecraft configurations are included.

Source record↗