Single-variable parametric cost models for space telescopes

Parametric cost models are routinely used to plan missions, compare concepts, and justify technology investments. Unfortunately, there is no definitive space telescope cost model. For example, historical cost estimating relationships CERs based on primary mirror diameter vary by an order of magnitude. We present new single-variable cost models for space telescope optical telescope assembly OTA. They are based on data collected from 30 different space telescope missions. Standard statistical methods are used to derive CERs for OTA cost ver- sus aperture diameter and mass. The results are compared with previ- ously published models © 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation