Cost Effectiveness of On-Orbit Servicing

Abstract

This study was performed to model on-orbit servicing (OOS) of a pre-existing Low Earth Orbit and geostationary constellation. A conceptual model of each spacecraft was developed to determine mass and power allocation required based on the mission of the spacecraft. An OOS mass was added to the spacecraft which represented the mass of the components necessary to allow the spacecraft to be docked with. The servicing missions modeled were refueling, replacement of parts, and relocation. The driving factor of cost was sensitivity to OOS mass. For most constellations, OOS was not cost effective unless the OOS mass was very low. 15.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 30, 2009
Accession Number
ADA505356

Entities

People

  • Tiffany Rexius

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Constellations
  • Cost Analysis
  • Cost Estimates
  • Costs
  • Earth Orbits
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Orbits
  • Payload
  • Probability
  • Propellants
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Refueling
  • Space Objects
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites