EVR/EVA Real-Time Planning for the Solar Array Wing Retraction during STS-116 Mission to the ISS: A Robotics Analysis Perspective
- Paper number
IAC-07-B3.I.04
- Author
Mr. Arthur Prevot, MDA Space Missions, Canada
- Coauthor
Ms. Katrina Brandstadt, MDA Space Missions, Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Viano Oghenekevwe, MDA Space Missions, Canada
- Year
2007
- Abstract
One of the main objectives of the 12A.1 Mission (STS-116) to the International Space Station (ISS) was the task of retracting the P6 Solar Array Wing. Along with the tasks of the installation of the Port side Truss Segment (P5) and the rewiring of the Station power, this mission represented one of the most ambitious ISS assembly missions to date. In fact, four years of mission planning for the Extravehicular Robotic (EVR) operations had been performed leading up to the mission. On December 13, 2006, Flight Day 5 of the mission, the solar array retraction operation encountered difficulties for which contingency operations had not been planned for ahead of time. A decision was made to perform this Extravehicular Activity (EVA)/ EVR operation in a manner never performed before. It consisted of maneuvering the astronaut at the tip of Canadarm2 to the vicinity of solar panels where the EVA would manually align the solar array bays for their proper retraction. The real-time chain of command involved the Flight Director, the Robotic Specialist (ROBO), the Mission Evaluation Room (MER), the Operation Engineering Centre (OEC) and the Operations Planning Room (OPR). It resulted in tasking the Robotic Analysts to run a set of simulations to ensure Canadarm2 dynamic performance and safety were maintained while facilitating a successful EVA/EVR contingency operation. This paper focuses on the operation from the robotic analyst’s point of view, showcasing the type of work performed, particularly during the real-time support. In addition, the role of robotics in resolving on-orbit problems and in meeting the challenges of this high profile operation is highlighted.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-B3.I.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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