TPRC 2024: The 52nd Research Conference on Communications, Information and Inter

Link to Paper

Abstract:
What will NASA’s future communications demand and expenditure look like? In this paper we consider this question, as NASA moves towards commercial procurement for Direct-To-Earth and Space Relay communication services. As part of this task, we undertake a literature review which considers the potential for internal market-based management accounting options for optimizing budgetary and network resources. Then we develop a new Techno-Economic Assessment (TEA) model capable of evaluating the incremental cost over time to NASA of utilizing commercial communication services, for different mission and market scenarios. Three key conclusions are found. Firstly, NASA should explore activity-based cost accounting for managing internal communication resources, to ensure behavioral incentives are aligned with underlying delivery costs. Secondly, current and future NASA demand is a viable option from commercial services, with the potential to reduce cost through the use of non-exclusive networks and the sharing of fixed costs. Finally, in terms of market procurement, NASA should seek to award service contracts to 3-4 providers, as this level optimizes economies of scale benefits, while mitigating possible market collusion. These recommendations will enable NASA to successfully achieve its scientific mission over the next decade, while managing limited financial and networking resources.