Telescope costs and cost reduction

Theodor Schmidt-Kaler; Peter Rucks

doi:10.1117/12.269092

21 March 1997 Telescope costs and cost reduction

Theodor Schmidt-Kaler, Peter Rucks

Proceedings Volume 2871, Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.269092
Event: Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow, 1996, Landskrona/Hven, Sweden

Abstract

The prices of more than 60 telescopes of the most diverse types and sizes are analyzed according to telescope aperture. Actualized prices in 1995 were calculated taking inflation into account, as well as fluctuations in the DM exchange rate. We discuss the dependence of prices on factors like size, mass, optical system, number of construction parts (similarity laws), as well as on special technical requirements. The relationship between telescope aperture and costs shows interesting differences between the classical astronomical telescopes and the new, large telescope projects. The number of repeated construction parts and the number of realized instruments with the same design is of great importance. Cost reductions are best achieved in the conception and design phase of telescope development.

Citation Download Citation

Theodor Schmidt-Kaler and Peter Rucks "Telescope costs and cost reduction", Proc. SPIE 2871, Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow, (21 March 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.269092

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