An Infrared Solution to a National Priority NASA Ice Detection and Measurement Problem
NASA has a serious problem with ice that forms on the cryogenic-filled Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) that could endanger the crew and vehicle. This problem has defied resolution in the past. To find a solution, a cooperative agreement was developed between NASA-Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and the...
Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
---|---|
Other Authors: | |
Format: | Text |
Language: | English |
Published: |
2007
|
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA495969 http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA495969 |
Summary: | NASA has a serious problem with ice that forms on the cryogenic-filled Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) that could endanger the crew and vehicle. This problem has defied resolution in the past. To find a solution, a cooperative agreement was developed between NASA-Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Research, Development & Engineering Center (TARDEC). This paper describes the need, initial investigation, solution methodology, and some results for a mobile near-infrared (IR) ice detection and measurement system developed by MDA of Canada and jointly tested by the U.S. Army TARDEC and NASA. Performance results achieved demonstrate that the pre-launch inspection system has the potential to become a critical tool in addressing NASA's ice problem. Published in the SPIE Digital Library, Proceedings of SPIE v6542. The original document contains color images. |
---|