In 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia suffered a catastrophic failure while re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Critical panels had been damaged during launch, but NASA lacked the means to inspect the space shuttle and assess the damage while the craft was in flight. The undetected damage resulted in the loss of the spacecraft and its crew. To prevent similar disasters, NASA sought out a technological solution to help astronauts and ground crews inspect exterior areas of the shuttle during flight.
In response, Canada’s Neptec Design Group Ltd. developed the Neptec Laser Camera System (LCS). Part of a larger sensor system installed on a 50-foot boom extension of each shuttle’s robotic arm, the LCS offers a clear view of exterior space shuttle areas that were previously not visible to astronauts.
The LCS is a high-precision, 3D laser scanner used by NASA to perform on-orbit inspection of the shuttle’s thermal protection system to assess damage and clear the shuttle for landing. Since its inaugural flight in 2005, Neptec’s LCS has been a mandatory system on every NASA shuttle mission.
In 2007, NASA turned to the LCS after falling foam damaged the external tiles of a space shuttle during launch. The LCS gathered 3D information that was used to re-create the damage on Earth for testing purposes. These tests determined that the shuttle could safely re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
In addition to the LCS, Neptec developed the Space Vision System (SVS), which was used for International Space Station Assembly. Moving forward, Neptec is developing a multi-purpose system called TriDAR capable of rover navigation on Mars or the Moon, drill site selection and obstacle avoidance. Most notably, TriDAR was flown on STS-128 where itwas tested for its automated rendezvous and docking capabilities.
Neptec has delivered more than 45 flight systems to NASA and Neptec personnel have logged more than 10,000 hours of on-console support to space shuttle and International Space Station operations.
Neptec is now applying its space technologies to Earth-bound applications. Offering new solutions for aerospace, defence and industry, Neptec continues to be a pioneer in the innovative use of mission critical systems and applications.
To learn more about Neptec, visit its AIAC Member Profile and the Neptec website.