An integrated team approach that involves scientists, spacecraft designers, and operations personnel promotes realizable mission requirements and potential cost savings. The rationale for various program and mission requirements ought to be published along with the requirements so that further decisions will be made in light of the underlying philosophy and rationale. Affordable space science is achievable if the program manager has the authority over decisions, such as choice of launch vehicle, make or buy, contracting for services, and participating in joint programs with other agencies. Cost trade-off studies at the program level should consider technology and hardware from the growing commercial space infrastructure. Revisions in the Federal Acquisition Regulations to facilitate multiyear funding are highly desirable.
Risks ought to be stated clearly, and risk mitigation plans ought to be identified early.
Risk assessments should examine not only technical risks but also programmatic risks. Innovation in technologies and design will only be realized in a climate of mutual trust with acknowledgment that space missions acre inherently risky and that, despite all precautions, some losses will occur. The cost savings achieved by launching a small spacecraft on a less expensive launch vehicle may be offset by the cost of technology miniaturization and packaging. Some important studies cannot be performed by small spacecraft because physical limits mandate the use of a large instrument. Economies of scale may be achieved with large spacecraft.