Instrument first, spacecraft second (IFSS): Options for implementing a new paradigm

NASA science instruments have had a history of developmental delays. These development delays can lead to cost growth for the overall mission, as shown in recent studies of NASA missions and a larger historical data set. An analysis was conducted to assess if a new mission development process, labeled instrument first, spacecraft second (IFSS), could provide reduced cost and schedule growth in future missions by minimizing the impact of instrument development issues on mission development. 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 $2.5B, making more funding available for future missions, while providing a less volatile and more manageable mission portfolio. This paper reviews the results of this analysis and assesses the implications of implementing such a mission development process by showing the approach on specific mission development examples.