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Is the cost difference between the launches usually less than the cost of building a backup satellite?

• ncallaway 10y ago
  Yes. Many times yes. The cost of launches is on the order of a few hundred million. Military satellites often cost a few billion. Losing a satellite is, by far, the biggest risk during a launch. The launch cost itself is non-trivial, but a small fraction of the overall mission cost.
  • pravda 10y ago
    > Military satellites often cost a few billion. Wouldn't it be more accurate to say the plans for a military satellite cost a few billion? I would assume stamping out a new copy when you have the plans costs just a few tens of millions. I mean, if you wanted one Airbus A380, it would cost you 15 billion dollars. But once you have the plans, you can stamp out additional copies for 100 million or so.
    • gaius 10y ago
      Each one is unique, because they are always being improved.
  • forgotpwtomain 10y ago
    > Military satellites often cost a few billion This needs a reference.
    • mnl 10y ago
      Not really, but here you go: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KH-11_Kennan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KH-11_Kennan And no, you can't make cheap primary mirrors (in a garage).