A Lidar-based Sensor Tool for Modeling and Inspection of the International Space Station
- Paper number
IAC-05-B4.4.07
- Author
Mr. Ross Gillett, MDA, Canada
- Year
2005
- Abstract
The ISS-based Shuttle Inspection Lidar system, or I-SIL, is a proposed solution to the problem of generating volumetric data regarding damaged regions of the Shuttle thermal protection system tiles and reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) material. NASA needs this volumetric measurement fully assess the risk posed by any damaged tile regions, where area and depth together determine whether or not it is safe enough for the Shuttle to return the crew to earth, and also to determine how much patch material is needed to fill these regions if a repair activity is deemed necessary. The same instrument, adapted to serve as a tool operating from the tip of the Canadarm2 in the unpressurized environment, can serve a number of other inspection and rendezvous needs - including a number of Space Station oriented applications - that make it an attractive alternative to currently-planned techniques. These applications include accurate modeling and measuring of the space station structure and pressurized modules, measurements of structural deflection, and even assessing space station damage resulting from meteor and debris damage. The addition of thermal imaging sensors to this instrument would permit health monitoring of power cabling and interconnects and other space station thermal performance assessments. This combined sensor head offers the capability to facilitate the inspection of the Space Shuttle RCC and tile surfaces while the Shuttle is docked at the Space Station, potentially providing a full inspection capability that can be operated entirely from the ground.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-B4.4.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.