Instrument first, spacecraft second (IFSS): A new paradigm in space mission development

An analysis was conducted to determine potential benefits of initiating instrument development prior to full mission development for NASA Earth Science missions. A cost and schedule analysis was conducted for representative Tier 2 and Tier 3 Earth Science Decadal Survey missions to quantify the benefits. The results indicate that the savings resulting from such an approach is on the order of $2B, making more funding available for future missions, while providing a less volatile and more manageable mission portfolio.