Laser imaging sensor system for on-orbit space shuttle inspection

Abstract

The Shuttle Inspection Lidar (SIL) system is a derivative of a scanning lidar system being developed by MD Robotics and Optech. It incorporates a lidar, a camera, lights and video communications systems. The SIL is designed to meet the specific requirements for the on-orbit inspection and measurement of the Space Shuttle leading edge Reinforced-Carbon Carbon (RCC) and Thermal Protection System (TPS). The SIL has a flexible electrical and mechanical interface that enables it to be mounted on different locations including the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS, Canadarm), and the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) on the International Space Station (ISS). This paper describes the SIL system and the specifications of the imaging lidar scanner system, and discusses the application of the SIL for on-orbit shuttle inspection using the on-orbit SRMS. Ground-based measurements of the shuttle TPS taken by a terrestrial version of the imager are also presented.