MICHAEL PHELAN / TORONTO
In-orbit concept is one of three being considered for NASA's return-to-flight-programme
Canada's MDRobotics has revealed its proposed in-orbit Space Shuttle damage inspection solution using an extended Canadarm, as part of NASA's return-to-flight programme which could see operations resume by the second quarter of next year.
The concept is one of three being considered by NASA; the others are an inflatable concertina-type extendable boom and a triangular truss boom extension. MDRobotics' concept uses a spare upper or lower boom segment used for the in-service arms, attached to the Canadarm's grapple end effector at one end and with a pan and tilt laser sensor mounted at the other.
Chris Woodland, MDRobotics vice-president government programmes, says the camera-equipped additional boom would enable viewing of the Shuttle's wing leading edge and underside after each orbital insertion. "The third boom would be stored on the opposite side of the [Shuttle's] cargo bay, and could be picked up and attached by Canadarm itself," he says.
"The PRCB 2 [NASA's Programme Requirements Control Board] has recommended the use of MDRobotic's fixed boom extension option, although NASA will continue to develop a triangular truss extension option in parallel as a back-up," says Woodland.
Although MDRobotics is developing light detection and ranging laser-imaging technology for space-docking applications, it will not be ready in time for the Shuttle, so a laser-sensing system developed by an Ottawa-based company will be used.
Source: Flight International
