Space Mission Cost Estimator Calculator

Total mission cost from spacecraft mass and destination.

Spacecraft mass (kg)

Mission class (0-3)

Target orbit (0-3)

Mission duration (years)

TRL (1-9)

Tab to move between fields

Launch cost ($M)

1.4

Total mission cost ($M)

37.4

Spacecraft bus ($M)11.9

Payload/instruments ($M)4.8

Integration & test ($M)2.5

Operations ($M)6

Reserves ($M)5.6

Cost per kg ($/kg)74,730

How to Use This Calculator

Enter spacecraft mass (kg) and select mission class (Discovery, New Frontiers, Flagship, or commercial).
Set target orbit and mission duration (years), and technology readiness level (TRL 1–9).
Review cost breakdown: bus, payload, integration/test, launch, operations, and total mission cost ($M).
Low TRL levels dramatically increase cost and schedule risk — budget 30–50% contingency for TRL < 6.
Use these estimates for early mission feasibility studies before detailed design and costing.

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