Perform parametric cost estimation and ROM (Rough Order of Magnitude) costing for space missions. Use this skill to generate lifecycle cost estimates using CERs, compare launch costs, estimate operations budgets, and support cost-driven trade studies. Trigger this for "cost estimate," "ROM cost," "mission cost," "launch cost," "cost model," "lifecycle cost," "operations cost," or whenever a trade study needs cost as a Figure of Merit.
Read
CONVENTIONS.mdat the repo root before proceeding.
This skill produces parametric cost estimates for spacecraft, launch, and operations. It provides the cost dimension that trade-study-manager and systems-engineering-assessment need to make informed architecture decisions.
Ask the user (if not already known):
| Responsibility | Owner |
|---|---|
| Parametric cost estimates, cost risk, cost-driven trades | This skill |
| Mass, power, and performance budgets (cost model inputs) | Domain assessment skills |
| Trade study integration (cost as a criterion) | trade-study-manager |
Cost Estimating Relationships express cost as a function of technical parameters:
| Category | Includes |
|---|---|
| Phase A-D (Development) | Design, fabrication, AI&T, project management, systems engineering, mission assurance |
| Launch | Launch vehicle, launch services, range costs, insurance |
| Operations | Ground segment, mission operations, data processing, disposal |
| Reserves | Unallocated Future Expenses (UFE) — typically 25-30% of development cost |
| Vehicle | LEO Capacity (kg) | Approx. Cost ($M) | $/kg LEO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electron | 300 | 7.5 | 25,000 |
| Falcon 9 (expendable) | 22,800 | 67 | 2,900 |
| Falcon 9 (reusable) | 15,600 | 50 | 3,200 |
| Starship (target) | 150,000 | 10-30 | 67-200 |
| Vulcan Centaur | 27,200 | 110 | 4,000 |
| Ariane 6 (A62) | 10,350 | 77 | 7,400 |
Note: Rideshare can reduce launch cost to $5k-15k/kg for small satellites.
cost_estimate.md): WBS-level cost breakdown, methodology, assumptions, reference year, and uncertainty range./requirements/, /analysis/systems-engineering-assessment/ (mass/power budgets), /analysis/propulsion-assessment/ (propellant mass), all subsystem outputs for CER inputs/analysis/cost-modeling/trade-study-manager (cost as FoM), systems-engineering-assessment (cost summary)