Everytime I look at a space probe I see a whole different design and this puzzles me.
I do understand that each mission is different and requires different science instruments. I also do understand that for each launch, the amount of available mass is different and thus probe designers might need to use radical designs each time.
However, I struggle to understand why there isn't a common design or a standardized structure that space agencies can reuse trying to save costs?
Is it because in such a mission-specific project the costs savings related to using a similar layout are almost none, since most of the efforts are focused on designing specific science instruments rather than the probe chassis?
I am also thinking about the nanosat example, where most of the components (as well as the chassis) are made with standard pieces.