How Big is Too Big? Using SAL (Smallsat Affordability in LEO) to Evaluate the Small Satellite Tradespace

Abstract

The Satellite Affordability in LEO (SAL) model identifies the cheapest constellation capable of providing a desired level of performance within certain constraints. SAL achieves this using a combination of analytical models, statistical emulators, and geometric relationships. SAL is flexible and modular, allowing users to customize certain components while retaining default behavior in other cases. This is desirable if users wish to consider an alternative cost formulation or different types of payload. Uses for SAL include examining cost tradeoffs with respect to factors like constellation size and desired performance level, evaluating the sensitivity of constellation costs to different assumptions about cost behavior, and providing a first-pass look at what proliferated smallsats might be capable of. At this point, SAL is limited to Walker constellations with sun-synchronous, polar orbits.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2019
Accession Number
AD1122321

Entities

People

  • Alexander J. Slawik
  • Geoffrey M. Koretsky
  • Matthew R. Avery
  • Vincent A. Lillard

Organizations

  • Institute for Defense Analyses

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Altitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Constellations
  • Cost Estimates
  • Cost Models
  • Costs
  • Department Of Defense
  • Detectors
  • Earth Orbits
  • Global Communications
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Orbits
  • Payload
  • Satellite Buses
  • Sensitivity
  • Simulations
  • Small Satellites
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Software Engineering.
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites