OTTAWA, Canada — August 21, 2006 — Neptec Design Group, a provider of intelligent 3D vision systems, announced today that its scanning and docking technologies will be supporting the Atlantis crew on flight STS-115, 'Return to Assembly'. Neptec's Laser Camera System (LCS), used on NASA's two most recent missions will scan critical areas of the shuttle's exterior to ensure no damage occurred to the shuttle's thermal tiles on takeoff. Also onboard is Neptec's Space Vision System, now known as the Orbiter SVS or OSVS. Its purpose is to support the flight's main mission, to resume building the International Space Station (ISS). The Atlantis is currently scheduled for launch on Sunday, August 27th at 4:30 p.m. ET from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The STS-115 mission will focus on attaching a new segment to the space station, extending the current structure by 45 feet. The segment, known as the P3/P4 integrated truss, will be brought up by the Atlantis and attached to the ISS using both the Canadarm2 and the OSVS. A docking and assembly system, the OSVS will provide Canadian astronaut Steve MacLean (the mission specialist operating the robotic arm), with the information necessary to maneuver and attach the city bus-sized segment to the space station.
"Neptec continues to exemplify Canada's significant and ongoing contribution to the space program," said Canadian astronaut Steve MacLean. "The LCS and OSVS have proven to be integral in the success of NASA's flights and with the precision of Neptec's technology the assembly operations are easier and the flights safer."
Using cameras and a system of black and white dots known as target arrays, the OSVS continuously monitors the position of the International Space Station and the new segment. It provides this data to the astronauts who can then maneuver the Canadarm2 in order to align the two structures and successfully complete the assembly.
Neptec's LCS will be used if any damage to the exterior of the shuttle is found after takeoff. Able to detect tiny cracks from up to four meters away, the LCS can be used to create 3D models of critical areas allowing NASA to determine whether or not the areas need to be repaired.
"With the successful completion of the last two test flights, Neptec is looking forward to continuing its role with the building of the International Space Station and future space initiatives," said Iain Christie, Neptec's VP of Research and Development. "Our work with NASA has given us the opportunity to demonstrate the excellence of Canadian technology on an international level."
Neptec's real-time 3D vision systems are focused on helping end-users, like NASA, get timely and accurate information to enable critical, efficient decision making. In addition to aerospace, Neptec's intelligent 3D systems have military 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 defense 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