Passive sensor cost model

The ever increasing demand to estimate satellite payloads requires accurate methods for capturing sensor subsystem costs. Sensors play a vital role in navigation, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Within the family of sensors are space-based passive sensors which employ radiated and/or reflected energy to detect the presence and position of targets. Such sensors are key elements in assuring a strong national defense, expanding the understanding of the universe, and mapping the Earth´s terrain. Passive sensors consist of eight major hardware components. They are: focal plane arrays (FPAs); optical telescope assemblies (OTAs); cryogenic coolers; gimbals and associated electronics; power supplies; star sensors; structures, and integration, assembly and test (IA&T)