TIM FURNISS / LONDON
Sensors and camera-equipped boom should ensure Columbia disaster is not repeated
NASA is planning to procure "proven, flight-certifiable sensors" to detect and quantify any damage to the Space Shuttle's thermal protection system from debris impacts during launch or in orbit. The agency is also considering the $1.3 billion development of a 17.7m (58ft)-long camera-equipped boom to be deployed after orbital insertion on every mission to inspect the orbiter's exterior for damage.
Damage detected by the sensors may include gouges, holes or even missing tiles or panels. The imaging system would be required to discover flaws by measuring the three-dimensional contour of critical surfaces, says NASA. The objective is to detect holes or imperfections 6mm in diameter and 6mm deep or larger. Flight hardware and software would need to be available within six to 14 months.
Several sensor locations are being considered. Cameras on the external tank may be used to image the orbiter, particularly the underside, during separation. The reach of the Shuttle remote manipulator system robot arm may be extended so it can view the underside of the orbiter, and sensors on the International Space Station (ISS) remote manipulator may be used to view the orbiter during approach and undocking. Imaging equipment could be permanently mounted on the ISS exterior and space station crew could make visual inspections of the orbit from an ISS window. A free-flyer inspector craft is also being considered.
Meanwhile, the proposed imaging boom would be manoeuvred by the Space Shuttle's robot arm to inspect inaccessible areas, such as the wing leading edge and underside of the orbiter, during a 7h survey before the orbital mission starts. Should repair work be required, the boom would act as a work platform for two spacewalking astronauts.
Source: Flight International
