Cost Estimation This section describes the first cost estimation based on the present system design. To calculate the cost the break down structure shown in Figure 10.2.17 was used. Figure 10.2.17 Work Break Down Structure The actual costs are derived using the ESA PCM-software, which estimates the development and production hardware costs. [Wnuk, 1992] EVA activities and Mission Control Center costs are taken from US-standard values. [Comstock, 1990] The launch and modification costs have been determined in discussion with Russian engineers. The experiment takes 1/5 of the total payload mass and the launch costs will be shared accordingly. For the cost estimation only one development and one flight model is built. The reason for this is that high reliability of 99% is rather costly and not really needed (the failure of one single phased array component does not affect the experiment). The overall cost result is presented in Table 10.2.4. The phased array and the management office are the main identified cost drivers. New electrical equipment needs to be developed and is therefore very expensive. Additionally a rather complicated management interface with the Russians has to be taken into account and raises costs. This first estimation is conservative and the realization of this demonstration seems to be feasible within the budget limitations. 10.2.5 Conclusions The Mir/Progress mission scenario to carry out microwave power beaming in a space to space application has been examined. This scenario seems to be very promising to meet the constraints of cost and schedule. It uses only existing hardware to carry out the experiment and the launch costs can be shared with the Mir servicing mission. Logistics are intended to stay the main mission of the Progress vehicle. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate power beaming technology for a longer period of time and at a higher power level than previous proposals. Other objectives are to show the potential of a free flying microgravity laboratory and to perform scientific experiments on microwave-plasma interactions. The critical mission constraints have been identified and used for further evaluation of the various subsystem level designs. The main subsystems (power beaming, thermal control, structures and mechanisms, electrical interfaces, guidance and control and data handling) have been analyzed in more detail. At this preliminary stage, all identified parameters have satisfied the design constraints. The total cost of this mission has been budgeted at around US$ 78 M. Given the Mir space station life span, this experiment is envisaged to be carried out by mid-1996. However, should this scheduling not be met, the same experiment could be flown on the Mir-2 Space Station.
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