October 22, 2002
BOZEMAN, Mont. - The Montana State University TechLink center announced today that Laser Techniques Company of Bellevue, Washington, has begun work on a NASA contract to develop a tiny automated laser scanner that may reliably and cost-effectively improve the safety of future Space Shuttles. Laser Techniques' innovative technology will be developed and tested at NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. Laser Techniques received the award from NASA in September, and has recently completed Task 1 of the contract to develop a prototype that can detect and map flaws in the lining of Primary Reaction Control System (PRCS) thrusters on Space Shuttle orbiters. Such flaws can cripple operations. The Washington company is a client of TechLink, which is funded by NASA and the Department of Defense to move new technology to market. TechLink introduced Laser Techniques' president, James Doyle, to researchers at White Sands, where he presented his technology. Following an extensive review and evaluation of numerous other non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies and companies, NASA chose Laser Techniques for the contract award. Following completion of Task 1, Laser Techniques conducted laboratory demonstrations that showed the sensor was able to precisely map a complex surface with accuracy better than 0.0005 inch, a level that is highly desirable by NASA. Upon successful completion of this contract, Laser Techniques may be eligible for additional contracts under NASA's multi-phase program to develop a portable robotic inspection system that can be used at both White Sands and for on-orbiter inspections at Kennedy Space Center. A Space Shuttle orbiter has 38 PRCS thrusters, or small rockets, that help to power and position the vehicle for maneuvers in space, including reentering orbit. A small chip or crack in the ceramic lining of just one thruster can cause the orbiter to lose position during a maneuver, ultimately jeopardizing the success of the mission. Inspecting thrusters is time-consuming and laborious. The process involves detaching the thrusters from the shuttle, shipping them to one of two inspection facilities, and inspecting them manually. Finding a minute chip in the lining can be difficult. Thrusters have many hidden surfaces that are difficult to access and hard to see. This is where Laser Techniques' technology presents a distinct advantage. The company's mini-laser robotic inspector can navigate the complex surface contours of the thruster, scan the interior, and quickly provide technicians with highly accurate three-dimensional data for mapping and evaluating surface conditions. Laser Techniques builds customized measuring and inspection devices that improve safety, reliability and useful life of high-value and safety-critical equipment and industrial machinery for the nuclear, petroleum refining, and aerospace industries. TechLink is located at Montana State University in Bozeman. Its main purpose is to move technology from federal laboratories to the marketplace, thereby contributing to the success of both technology-based companies and key resource-based industries in the Northwestern United States. CONTACT:
John Dennis
TechLink
(406) 994-7707
jdennis@montana.edu
Jim Doyle
Laser Techniques Company
(425) 641-4450
info@Laser-NDT.com
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