International participation to the CAPPS (Checkout, Assembly & Payload Processing Services). Alenia Spazio North America (ASNA)
- Paper number
IAC-06-B4.2.06
- Author
Dr. Luciano Saccani, Alenia Spazio North America, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
CAPPS provides for testing, processing and management of the Space Shuttles’ and expendable launchers’ payloads. ASNA’s team of specialists at the KSC support the ground processing of the ISS elements (MPLM logistics modules, Nodes, Cupola, ...). Tasks include checking the payload's compatibility with the launch systems and integration inside the vehicles. CAPPS contract includes Payloads preparation activities for launch. NASA awarded the contract to a Boeing led team that includes ASNA. The Payloads can be ISS elements and subsystems (either pressurized modules like MPLM, Node2,.. or non pressurized) or scientific satellites, and can be carried into space by the Space Shuttle or expendable rockets. Depending on the Payload typology and on the selected launch vehicle, the processing activities can be quite different. They can be divided into five categories: 1.Receiving and Processing 2.Mission Cargo Preparation 3.Launch Vehicle Compatibility Test 4.Payload Removal from the Launch Vehicle after mission 5.Logistics and Maintenance of the facilities There are two typical missions: 1.Re-entry mission (MPLM processing) 2.Delivery Mission (like Node 2 processing) ASNA personnel was involved in the design and integration of the Italian modules (i.e. MPLMs and Node2) in Italy. The team has been staffed with a mix of skills/personnel able to operate in all the different disciplines of CAPPS (logistics, fluids, configuration mgmt, analysts, …), and is directly involved in all the day-by-day activities. ASNA has supported Boeing to gain a more detailed comprehension of the technical documentation and the philosophy behind. The team had to adapt to a different work concept/routine (including identification, recording and performing of the corrective actions of the Non Conformances, and the planning and execution of all the test and integration activities. This experience will be useful for future collaboration with international partners International cooperation requires additional efforts: 1.Information flow is more complicated (language, worldwide location, time difference, different systems, …). -Data to be stored and continuously available and accessible from all authorized sites. -Excellent EDMS required. 2.Export Control barriers. Having a US subsidiary does not help at all unless: -there is a very good understanding of the ITAR regulation, and -an extremely efficient system to address the problems and solve them. Space activities, in the United States, have to comply with the ITAR regulations.- Abstract document