> this is the classic problem of too small overall budget. too few launches, not enough money, everything has to be perfect, because everyone wants their pet sc

> this is the classic problem of too small overall budget. too few launches, not enough money, everything has to be perfect, because everyone wants their pet science/dream project to succeed. so overall efficiency is abysmal. but the data gained for/through the scientific mission is nice. You've got it 100% correct. Satellite constellations are much cheaper on a per unit basis than are the bespoke single unit buy. Now, I get above are much harder when NASA is doing a research satellite (low volume or volume of 1), but it is definitely possible for Operational satellites (e.g. what NOAA flies for operational weather requirements and they need to keep running to feed the US meteorological capability). Delinking satellite sensors from the specific satellite so you always have an excess of sensors you can use, and integrate as needed would also be a huge win for cost avoidance.