Lifecycle Replenishment Cost Analysis and Assessment Based on Space System Characteristics

Abstract

The revolution in the design philosophy of space systems has stimulated the growth of demand for replenishment, particularly in sustaining the continuous service of small satellite constellations. However, it is still unclear whether it is economically feasible to implement lifecycle replenishment and how it is affected by space system designs. To address the problems, this paper presents a quantitative methodology for analyzing and assessing the replenishment costs of space systems. Based on the formulations of the proposed space system characterization and lifecycle replenishment costs, the mathematical mapping relationship between space system designs and replenishment costs has been established. This connection enables the designers to explore and compare different system designs, regarding the major running cost of a space system. The results indicate that the cost of system replenishment can be effectively analyzed and assessed using the proposed methodology, helping to achieve a system design with a higher lifecycle value and to prevent problems such as cost overruns and schedule delays.