Framework for evaluating customer value and the feasibility of servicing architectures for on-orbit satellite servicing

Abstract

The question that this thesis examines is whether traditional monolithic satellite designs have limited the value that the satellite market generates for the space industry. To answer this question, this thesis focuses on the "Value" that satellites generate. By examining the value that satellites offer their operators, this thesis determines if alternative methods of satellite design offer greater value than traditional satellite designs. One alternative method that is examined is on-orbit satellite servicing. On a basic level, on-orbit satellite servicing is the process of providing services to a satellite in orbit, such as: relocation, refueling, repairs, or upgrades. The purpose of this thesis is to describe and support a framework for determining the value of on-orbit satellite servicing. The framework involves examining on-orbit servicing as a competitive market and dividing that market into two sides -the customer and the provider. By examining the customer side of on-orbit servicing, this thesis identifies the reasons a customer would require servicing and thus determines the value that can be delivered to the customer. By determining the point where the value of servicing is zero, the customer's maximum servicing price can be computed.

(cont.) By examining the provider's side of the market, this thesis identifies the different forms of servicing that can fulfill the customer's needs. Based on a provider's forms of servicing, the provider's minimum servicing price can be determined. Finally, by overlaying the maximum servicing price with the minimum servicing price, one can determine if a feasible on-orbit servicing market exists. If any overlap exists, then a feasible range of servicing prices exists and servicing makes sense.Simply put, an overlap represents the case where a customer need exists and a provider has the ability to meet that need - hence a servicing market exists. This thesis concludes with a discussion concerning the development of on-orbit satellite servicing and how this development is not limited solely by economic and technical issues. It is the purpose of this thesis to show that on-orbit satellite servicing provides a means for escape from the traditional approach of satellite design. thereby allowing a paradigm shift towards more valuable design approaches. While some may believe that on-orbit satellite servicing provides a means to sustain current technology trends, it is argued that on-orbit satellite servicing is a disruptive technology.

(cont.) With disruptive technologies come the opportunities for greater value and dramatic change. On-orbit satellite servicing provides the opportunity for a paradigm shift in satellite design that can lead to dramatic new ideas, uses, and valuations of space.