This assumes all launch costs are realtive to satellite weight. The cost of people and equipment to do the launch is not related to weight. Plus I don't believe rockets use x mount of propellent per kg, but it's ramped.
Like anything in life, it's cheaper to buy in bulk, where bulk here is gross satellite weight.
Quoting Luc Leblanc lucleblanc6@videotron.ca:
Hi satellite fans
Just came out of a bad dream tonight after reading this Ariane 5 announcement?
"The 186th Ariane mission will launch two communications satellites, primarily intended for direct TV broadcast services and data networks: HOT BIRDTM 9 and W2M, both for Eutelsat.
This will be the 42nd Ariane 5 launch.
The launcher will be carrying a total payload of 9,220 kg, including 8,340 kg for the two satellites, which will be released separately into their targeted orbits."
Just note The 9220Kg payload and theses Ariane 5 figures
LEO Payload* (28.5 deg., 550 km) GTO Payload* (7 deg. inclination) 39,600 lb 18,000 kg (single / dual manifest) 15,000 lb / 13,160 lb 6,800 kg / 5,970 kg
Configuration Core + 2 SRB + Aestus Second Stage
Launch Mass 1,570,000 lb 710,000 kg
Estimated Launch Price US $120 M
- Performance provided by Arianespace.
There is room for a 150kg amateur HEO satellite and at an US$169 per kilo a 150Kg mass should cost US $25350!!!
I'm not too quick in calculus but how the +_ millions USD P3E and EAGLE launch cost came from? integration work? shipping and handling?
I know that at the top of a Ponzi pyramid numbers added very fast but even with the worst case scenario there is something who's not added up correctly here?
The killing question is: Is the actual P3E and EAGLE launch issues are really a financial matter? and those very high HEO launch cost estimates are hiding something else?
If you want to see where i got theses figures go to:
http://www.spaceandtech.com/spacedata/elvs/ariane5_specs.shtml
"-"
Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE
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