1673. Space Station Design to Cost: A Massive Engineering Challenge

Paper

Abstract

To meet Space Station Program objectives within established cost constraints, NASA and its contractors must adhere to a rigorous design-to-cost approach to Space Station design, development, and production. This will require a fundamental change in attitude regarding the role of cost analysis in the engineering process. Cost estimating and evaluation must be regarded as an integral part of the design task, rather than an external support function. Through trade studies and sensitivity analyses, cost analysis must in fact play a leading role in the definition of Space Station capabilities and elements. While certain Space Station requirements have been described by NASA as mandatory, the ultimate size, shape, and function of the Space Station will be determined by cost more than by any other single evaluation criterion. Both engineering and program management must rise to the task of design-to-cost by striving to increase awareness of cost-related issues at all levels and by making every reasonable effort to incorporate cost analysis into the research and development process.