When Is a Satellite Not a Toaster?

Christopher A. Feuchter, Kurt M. Neuman, Kalla J. Sparrow and Charles A. Van Meter
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Christopher A. Feuchter: Directorate of Aerospace Studies (AFSC), Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117-6008
Kurt M. Neuman: Directorate of Aerospace Studies (AFSC), Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117-6008
Kalla J. Sparrow: ARINC Research Corporation, 2551 Riva Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Charles A. Van Meter: Directorate of Aerospace Studies (AFSC), Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117-6008

Interfaces, 1991, vol. 21, issue 4, 141-152

Abstract: We repair our automobiles but discard inexpensive appliances at the first sign of trouble: they “cost too much to fix.” Comparing $50M satellites with toasters may seem odd, but the analogy can be appropriate. The too-much-to-fix argument can be used in deciding whether to replace or to repair earth satellites. We investigated (1) when cost considerations dictate using constellations of expendable satellites to be routinely replaced and discarded on failure, and (2) when circumstances indicate using constellations of satellites to be repaired on-orbit by exchanging failed modules.

Keywords: decision analysis: criteria; military: cost effectiveness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1991
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:inm:orinte:v:21:y:1991:i:4:p:141-152

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