3 ms·
The other figures are correct. However, the cost to build cubesats are coming down rapidly. I work at a not for profit called isomer space which builds cubesats
by Ephil012 4y ago
The other figures are correct. However, the cost to build cubesats are coming down rapidly. I work at a not for profit called isomer space which builds cubesats. We originally were looking at 50k-100k for ours, but there are a few open source projects now that provide design files to manufacture your own for way cheaper. For us, we are able to get the costs down to under 10k by doing it all in house. This is including multiple prototypes. A single satellite itself is probably 3-4k though for us. If you’re curious, the big open source project in the space is called PyCubed. A bunch of university teams use their designs now because the hardware is relatively affordable.
As far as launch prices, I think the 50k figure given is accurate, but only through companies that resell / broker space launches. Getting your own launch outside of a reseller / broker would cost more. For instance, if you buy from SpaceX's rideshare program directly it can cost 1.2 million. This is because SpaceX's base pricing starts at a 200kg payload. Anything that weighs less is still charged at 1.2 million. However, if you go through a third party that resells the launches then it can be 50k or lower. I know I have seen one as low as 20k for a 1U launch. The main reason why its cheaper is a combination of economy of scale (launching lots of cubesats at once) and/or VC funding. The best launch prices in general tend to come from startups who are heavily subsidizing the launches with VC money.
Also, if anyone is curious about cubesats or our work in general feel free to AMA.
- syedkarim 4y agoWho is offering a 1U for $20k? Is that to sun-sync, or one of the last-minute ISS specials?
- Ephil012 4y agoI don't know if I am technically allowed to say since it was given to us on a contract. I don't think I can name them specifically until we do a joint press release announcing the mission. However, I will say that it was a startup that basically had a lot of VC money to subsidize. It was to sun sync orbit though. Also, they have increased prices for future launches to like 25k or 30k or something like that. Mainly because of they are trying to wean off of subsidizing they said.