Case Study: NASA achieves credible Mars mission cost estimates with Galorath Incorporated

NASA develops credible Mars mission cost estimates with Galorath for decade-away technologies

The customer NASA faced the challenge of developing a credible independent cost estimate for a crewed launch vehicle using new nuclear thermal propulsion technology, an area with little historical precedent. They engaged the vendor Galorath Incorporated to apply its space cost estimating expertise to this difficult problem.

Galorath implemented a solution using its semi-parametric cost estimating method, which combined analogies with statistical studies of technology development trends, productivities, and structures. This approach, previously used for the Constellation program, provided NASA with a credible cost estimate for the new vehicle. The result was that Galorath gave decision-makers confidence that the mission is financially viable and affordable, ensuring taxpayer dollars are not wasted on prohibitively expensive technologies.

NASA