|
Space Telescope Imaging Spectrometer Servicing
|
|
|
|
|
08/11/2006
|
Alliance Spacesystems developed a robotic solution for a proposed Hubble Space Telescope repair mission. The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) is an instrument on the Hubble that has suffered electronic board failures and is no longer functional. Never intended to be serviced on orbit, the STIS interior is accessible only after removing a cover attached by more than one hundred screws of three different head types. A large handle and nameplate also prevent immediate access to a number of the fasteners. Alliance Spacesystems developed a fully functional conceptual prototype in only three months to prove the feasibility of a robotically assisted repair. An astronaut would attach the Automated Repair Tool to the instrument. The tool, essentially an X-Y translation stage with Z axis and tool-change capability, would then autonomously locate the fasteners utilizing vision recognition, remove the fasteners and deposit them in a secure container. After the completion of the removal cycle, an astronaut would then remove the tool and cover, replace the failed board, and attach a new cover with simplified attachments.
|
|
Last Updated ( 08/20/2006 )
|
