CubeSat Budget Calculator

Build cost, launch cost, and operations for CubeSat missions.

CubeSat size (U)

Payload cost ($K)

Launch cost per U ($K)

Mission duration (months)

Commercial (1) or Academic (0)

Tab to move between fields

Launch ($K)

180

Total mission cost ($K)

719.3

Spacecraft bus ($K)92.8

Components ($K)45

Payload ($K)100

Integration & test ($K)52.4

Ground ops ($K)96

Insurance & licensing ($K)52.1

Estimated mass (kg)3.99

Cost per kg ($K/kg)180.3

How to Use This Calculator

Select CubeSat form factor (1U, 2U, 3U, 6U, 12U) and enter payload cost ($K).
Set launch cost per unit ($K) and mission duration (months).
Indicate whether the mission is commercial or academic for overhead multipliers.
Review cost breakdown: bus, components, payload, launch, integration/test, and operations.
Total mission cost typically runs 2–5× bus cost alone — budget for all phases from the start.

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