Laser Dynamic Range Imager
Encyclopedia
The Laser Dynamic Range Imager (LDRI) is a LADAR device developed by Sandia National Laboratories
for the US Space Shuttle program
. The sensor was developed as part of NASA
's Return to Flight
effort following the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster
to provide 2-D and 3-D images of the Thermal Protection System on the Space Shuttle Orbiter.
The LDRI generates 3-dimensional images from 2-dimensional video. Modulated laser illumination is demodulated by the receive optics, and the resulting video sequences can be processed to produce 3-d images. The modulation produces a flickering effect from frame-to-frame in the video imagery.
As part of the Orbiter Boom Sensor System
, the LDRI is mounted at the end of the boom on a pan-tilt unit (PTU) along with an intensified video camera (ITVC). During 2-dimensional imaging of the reinforced carbon-carbon
panels on the leading edge of the shuttle's wings, the LDRI is capable of seeing damage as small as a 0.020-inch crack.
During the mission STS-114
, the LDRI was used to obtain 3-D measurements of a loose gap filler on the underside of the orbiter. The LDRI also flew on the subsequent mission, STS-121
. On this mission, NASA TV
broadcast live raw video from the LDRI of the entire wing leading edge and nosecap surveys on flight day 2.
An earlier version of the LDRI originally flew as a DTO on STS-97
.
Sandia National Laboratories
The Sandia National Laboratories, managed and operated by the Sandia Corporation , are two major United States Department of Energy research and development national laboratories....
for the US Space Shuttle program
Space Shuttle program
NASA's Space Shuttle program, officially called Space Transportation System , was the United States government's manned launch vehicle program from 1981 to 2011...
. The sensor was developed as part of NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
's Return to Flight
Return to Flight
Return to Flight can refer to:* Apollo 7, NASA's first mission after the Apollo 1 fire* Space Shuttle mission STS-26, NASA's first mission after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster...
effort following the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster
Space Shuttle Columbia disaster
The Space Shuttle Columbia disaster occurred on February 1, 2003, when shortly before it was scheduled to conclude its 28th mission, STS-107, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas and Louisiana during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in the death of all seven crew members...
to provide 2-D and 3-D images of the Thermal Protection System on the Space Shuttle Orbiter.
The LDRI generates 3-dimensional images from 2-dimensional video. Modulated laser illumination is demodulated by the receive optics, and the resulting video sequences can be processed to produce 3-d images. The modulation produces a flickering effect from frame-to-frame in the video imagery.
As part of the Orbiter Boom Sensor System
Orbiter Boom Sensor System
The Orbiter Boom Sensor System is a 50-foot boom carried on board NASA's Space Shuttles. The boom can be grappled by the Canadarm and serves as an extension of the arm, doubling its length to a combined total of 100 feet...
, the LDRI is mounted at the end of the boom on a pan-tilt unit (PTU) along with an intensified video camera (ITVC). During 2-dimensional imaging of the reinforced carbon-carbon
Reinforced carbon-carbon
Carbon fibre-reinforced carbon is a composite material consisting of carbon fibre reinforcement in a matrix of graphite. It was developed for the nose cones of intercontinental ballistic missiles, and is most widely known as the material for the nose cone and wing leading edges of the Space Shuttle...
panels on the leading edge of the shuttle's wings, the LDRI is capable of seeing damage as small as a 0.020-inch crack.
During the mission STS-114
STS-114
-Original crew:This mission was to carry the Expedition 7 crew to the ISS and bring home the Expedition 6 crew. The original crew was to be:-Mission highlights:...
, the LDRI was used to obtain 3-D measurements of a loose gap filler on the underside of the orbiter. The LDRI also flew on the subsequent mission, STS-121
STS-121
STS-121 was a space shuttle mission to the International Space Station flown by Space Shuttle Discovery. The main purposes of the mission were to test new safety and repair techniques introduced following the Columbia disaster of February 2003 as well as to deliver supplies, equipment and...
. On this mission, NASA TV
NASA TV
NASA TV is the television service of the United States government agency NASA. NASA TV is broadcast by satellite with a simulcast over the Internet. Local cable television systems across the U.S. and amateur television repeaters may carry NASA TV at their discretion, as NASA-created content is...
broadcast live raw video from the LDRI of the entire wing leading edge and nosecap surveys on flight day 2.
An earlier version of the LDRI originally flew as a DTO on STS-97
STS-97
STS-97 was a Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station flown by Space Shuttle Endeavour. The crew installed the first set of solar arrays to the ISS, prepared a docking port for arrival of the Destiny Laboratory Module, and delivered supplies for the station's crew.-Crew:-Mission...
.