Mission Operations Cost Model

This is a simple online mission operations cost model (MOCM) that provides a useful method for quick turnaround, rough-order-of-magnitude cost estimating. The model can be used for estimating the mission operations cost of manned, unmanned, and planetary spacecraft. The MOCM is based on NASA data for spacecraft flown between 1962 and 1990.

The MOCM provides an estimate of the basic mission operations and data analysis (MODA) cost for a given spacecraft. MODA is defined as the cost of: maintaining and upgrading ground systems; mission control; tracking; telemetry; command functions; mission planning; data reduction and analysis; crew training and related activities. The MOCM does not include the cost of launch vehicles or launch services.

The model estimates the average annual MODA based on the type of mission and the investment cost of the spacecraft. The investment cost is defined as the total development and production cost of the spacecraft, experiments and ground systems. Note that the investment cost does not include launch vehicle or service costs.

Note. These models are provided as educational examples of technology developed and used by cost engineers. Use at your own risk. These tools are written in JavaScript and require a browser with JavaScript capability. If you have trouble viewing or using these tools, please consult the frequently asked questions.

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