A microrobotic probe for monitoring ISS Thermal Control System lines
- Paper number
IAC-06-D1.2.04
- Author
Mr. Paolo Corradi, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy
- Coauthor
Mr. Stefano Ferretti, Thales Alenia Space, Italy
- Coauthor
Mr. Giuseppe Valenzano, Thales Alenia Space, Italy
- Coauthor
Mr. Walter Cugno, Thales Alenia Space, Italy
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The International Space Station (ISS) might benefit from an innovative microrobotic probe for monitoring the External Active Thermal Control System (EATCS) ammonia lines, increasing the level of safety and reliability of the overall system. The launch phase, orbit insertion, final integration and operations in Space can result in major hazards for the astronauts and the ISS itself, in case of ammonia lines rupture. It could be extremely important to locally inspect EATCS hoses in order to detect internal sharp discontinuities and cracks, as well as the effect of external damages caused by micrometeorite impacts, and also to detect particles in the loop, which can damage the seals of the Quick Disconnects, leading to ammonia leakage. Current microtechnology and microassembly advancements allow the development of miniaturized robotic systems for inspection and monitoring in several application fields, e.g., in biomedics. The possibility to transfer such technologies to the Space sector could be an amazing and powerful solution for remote inspection of several ISS systems, wherever it is not possible a direct intervention. The paper presents the concept and the preliminary considerations about the development of a microrobotic probe to be injected in EATCS hoses in order to have remote monitoring of critical factors.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-D1.2.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.