OTTAWA, Canada — June 27, 2006 — Neptec Design Group, a provider of intelligent 3D vision systems, today announced it has completed its final preparations for NASA's flight STS-121. NASA will use Neptec's Laser Camera System (LCS) to inspect critical areas of the shuttle Discovery's exterior, while in orbit, to ensure the shuttle is safe to return through Earth's atmosphere. The mission is scheduled to launch on July 1st at 3:48 p.m. ET from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.
According to NASA, the outside of the shuttle's external fuel tank is a potential source of foam loss which could cause damage to the shuttle. Neptec's LCS, mounted to an inspection boom on the Canadarm, is prepared to inspect these potential areas of damage. Just as it did last summer during the Shuttle's Return to Flight mission, the LCS will provide NASA's ground crew with a 3D image of the area enabling NASA to tangibly determine if the area needs to be repaired.
The LCS uses laser technology that can detect a crack as small as half a millimeter, or about twice the width of a standard business card, from up to four meters away. Unlike traditional cameras, Neptec's LCS has the ability to operate regardless of available light, a crucial feature on the space shuttle where the sun rises and sets 16 times per day.
"We are there to make sure that NASA gets the best information possible to allow them to make decisions which are critical for the safety of the astronauts on board the shuttle," said Iain Christie, VP of Research and Development at Neptec. "Last summer, NASA was very happy with how the Laser Camera System performed on orbit. This standard of excellence is one that we set for all of our technologies, be it for NASA or any of our other customers."
Neptec's real time 3D vision systems are focused on helping end-users, like NASA, get timely and accurate information to enable critical decision making. Neptec's intelligent 3D systems have military, aerospace, and manufacturing applications.
About Neptec
Specializing in intelligent machine vision systems, Neptec maintains a reputation of quality and reliability in the design, manufacturing, installation and support of its products with the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, and other major space programs. With new solutions for the aerospace and defence industries, Neptec, a NASA prime contractor, continues to be a pioneer in the innovative use of intelligent 3D machine vision systems for mission critical applications. For more information please visit www.neptec.com.
For more information please contact:
Cerys Goodall
High Road Communications
416-644-2254
cgoodall@highroad.com