Question 1

How much does it cost to launch a satellite?

Accepted Answer

Launch costs range from about $3,246/kg on a full dedicated SpaceX Falcon 9 ($7,000/kg on rideshare) to $54,000/kg historically on the Space Shuttle. A small satellite mission can cost $5-15M total including the satellite, launch, and operations.

Question 2

What factors affect mission cost?

Accepted Answer

Key cost drivers: orbit altitude and inclination, satellite mass, launch vehicle selection, ground station requirements, mission duration, insurance, and regulatory compliance (spectrum licensing, debris mitigation).

Question 3

Is the mission cost calculator accurate?

Accepted Answer

This calculator provides rough order of magnitude estimates for mission planning. Actual costs depend on many factors including launch vehicle availability, payload integration, and market conditions. Use it for early-stage feasibility analysis.

Mission Cost Simulator

Mission Cost Simulator