Space Vision System (SVS)
Neptec's Space Vision System (SVS) is used to provide real time precise visual and numerical alignment and positioning cues to the Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) crews when installing new ISS modules during the assembly of the space station.
Neptec's original breakthrough technology, the Space Vision System (SVS) was designed to help astronauts assemble the International Space Station. Capable of processing standard Orbiter Camera video signals, it determines, in real time, the precise location and orientation of objects in the video scene – making the SVS critical in triggering the "Ready to Latch" (RTL) indicators for mating
the various International Space Station modules.
The SVS system displays object location and orientation at a rate of over 15 frames a second by tracking target arrays (black and white dots) on the space station elements using the Orbiter cameras and video system. This data is used to provide guidance and manoeuvring information to the astronauts flying the shuttle and/or station robot arms.
Neptec has developed three versions of the SVS starting with a laptop based version that flew on test flights in 1994 and 1995. Following this success two fully qualified mission critical systems were developed and installed, one for the Space Shuttle (Orbiter Space Vision Unit – OSVU) and one for the International Space Station (Advanced Vision Unit – AVU).
Neptec has seen the SVS software through 12 formal software upgrades and operationally supported over 20 missions. Recent software enhancements have given the SVS the capability to autonomously control cameras on both the shuttle and space station. Discussions are ongoing with NASA for future ISS survey work.
