Improving the Imaging of the ISS through the SPQR Experiment

Paper number

IAC-05-B4.4.01

Author

Dr. Manfredi Porfilio, Italian Space Agency (ASI), Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Filippo Graziani, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Antonio Paolozzi, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Douglas Currie, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Ronald Dantowitz, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Francesco Passeggio, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Raimondo Fortezza, MARS s.r.l., Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Ferdinando Felli, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Andrea Brotzu, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Roberto Iorio, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Arsen Hajian, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Michele Arturo Caponero, ENEA, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Giampiero Sindoni, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Year

2005

Abstract

The Specular Point-like Quick Reference (SPQR) equipment has been launched on March the 1st with the Progress 17P to the International Space Station (ISS). The purpose of the experiment is to enhance the imaging capabilities of a ground based observatory by providing a “point-like” light “reference” on the target spacecraft image. The light reference allows to assess the image distortion caused by the atmosphere. The images, taken with a telescope, can be processed with the information provided by the point-like reference, and a resolution of 20cm (or better) can be achieved. Such a resolution would have probably been sufficient to detect the damage which caused the Columbia disaster. Actually we can state that the ultimate aim of SPQR is to prove the effectiveness of a system to increase the safety of manned spacecraft.
The “point-like quick reference” is provided by a Cubic Corner Reflector (CCR) mounted on a window of the ISS. During the experiment, the window will be directed to the Nadir direction. The CCR will be illuminated by a laser beam coming from a ground station and will retro-reflect the light to the ground station itself.
The experiment is going to be performed on March and April 2005, in the frame of the Italian Soyuz Mission “Eneide”.
A very small amount of crew-time is needed to perform the SPQR experiment, since the equipment is completely passive. The experiment will be totally managed from the ground. The ISS astronauts will have just to install the equipment to the prescribed ISS window (installation scheduled on March 11th 2005) and de-install it at the experiment completion (de-installation scheduled on April 23rd 2005).
While other methods for manned spacecraft external damage detection are conceivable, the proposed approach is simple, cost-effective and quickly achievable.
The paper describes the SPQR experiment, the flight equipment, its interface with the ISS, the critical requirements and the design solutions related to the flight onboard the ISS.

Abstract document

IAC-05-B4.4.01.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-B4.4.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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