5. - KSC Imagery Analysis Facility -
So… who do we support?
Primarily –
NASA’s Space Shuttle Program!
6. - KSC Imagery Analysis Facility -
…in addition:
III
Boeing
- Constellation Program
- Int’l Space Station Program
- Expendable Launch Services
(ex. Atlas, Delta, Sea-Launch)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- multiple Law Enforcement Agencies
7. - KSC Imagery Analysis work performed -
Specifically, who do we support?
NASA/SSP Engineering Groups: FIT Team,
ET, SSME, SRB, ORB, Launch Accessories,
MEQ, PYRO Systems, etc.
8. Space Shuttle Main Engines
The Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME) were built and test-fired at Stennis Space
Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The three SSME’s start T-6.6 seconds before
Launch, one at a time just milliseconds apart prior to lift-off. Since 1981, upgrades to
the original main engine design have more than tripled estimates of their safety.
The Main Propulsion Test Article
(MPTA) at Stennis Space Center, fired
a three-engine cluster attached to an
external tank and an Orbiter section to
validate main propulsion performance
(1978-1981)
11. - KSC Imagery Analysis work performed -
But really, why?
12. Lessons Learned due to limited or no
Imagery capability
Opportunity for Lessons Learned from Past Space Mission scenarios:
1985
1966
1991
1970
1973
2001
2003
13.
14.
15.
16. From an Analysis standpoint,
the need for Imagery data
easily extends beyond a
“typical” Launch Day!
17. Even before a Launch may
take place, Imagery
Analysis is heavily relied
upon even during acts of
“Mother Nature”
(STS-117’s Hail damaged
External Tank – Mar. 2007)
18. Through the
Ascent phase of
any given STS
Mission (ex.
taken shortly
after jettison of
STS-112’s
External Tank)
21. However, this is built upon many “hard
decisions” that had to first be made
-- When a Project Manager must choose to
come out of his/her comfort zone --
22. -- Technological advancements can provide relatively
easy direction in the decision making process --
Case in point: Capturing (Still) Images
• - Polaroid Cameras
• - 35mm (still) Cameras
• - 21mp Digital Cameras
Ex. Screening Films:
• - Reviewing each Film’s frame by hand
• - 16mm table top Projectors
• - 35mm & 70mm Studio Projectors
• - Ultra HD 4K Projection system
23. -- But what if Specific Requirements are changing faster
than your workplace or facility can support while currently
handling Mission Critical tasks?
Change has to happen, something needs to be done! --
Case in Point: Midway through last year, a decision was passed down after
the Launch of STS-124, all Launch Films would will be scanned on a
telecine (“digitized”) and delivered to Kennedy Space Center as QuBit files.
As mandated, Prints/“Films” would also be provided, but for the last time.
What did this mean?
As of the following Mission (STS-125’s Hubble Mission),
there will be… NO MORE FILMS PROVIDED!
24. Present Viewing Capabilities:
• View High Definition Videos w/ Christie (1K) DLP Projector
• View “digitized” 16mm Films w/ same Christie (1K) DLP projector
• View 35mm Films with Kinoton (motion) Projector
Note:
For the previous 2 mission, we had experimented w/ “digitized”
16mm Films (telecine files)for Imagery Analysis purposes even
though our existing Christie DLP projector is only 1024x1024 (1K).
Note: must maintain the Kinoton projector for archival film viewing
25. Challenge / Solution:
•Objects/IFA’s cannot be observed/resolved on the Kennedy’s Christie (1K) DLP
Projection System with the capability we currently have with the Kinoton 35mm
Film projector. The existing Christie DLP requires clipping and/or down
conversion in order to display digitized images.
•Due to new requirements, it is imperative to upgrade the Digital Projection system
to support Ascent/Landing Imagery Analysis starting w/ STS-125 (now STS-126).
•Must be compatible with existing analysis lab upgrades.
•Searched out & found New 4K (4096 x 2160) Ultra High Definition D-ILA
projector that meets these requirements and provides additional capability that can
be utilized as digital technology expands.
26. Keys to Successful
Resolution:
• Research the Situation inside-out
• Have ALL Financial aspects disclosed early on!
• Plan for Redundancies, let me say that again… “Plan for
Redundancies!!”
• Develop a “means-to-the-madness” plan with all personnel
that will be called upon to support --
From: budgeting/procurement personnel, to Senior
Management, to prospective contract venders, to
Transportation staff, to Facility Representatives, etc.
• Don’t be afraid to call a “Time-out” if you see a disconnect
coming about.
30. - Space Shuttle Facts -
– Each Shuttle has 2.5 million parts, 230 miles of wire, 1500 circuit breakers and switches,
and 27,000 insulated tiles and thermal blankets
– Liftoff weight is 4.5 million pounds, a total of 6.9 million pounds thrust consumes 3.5
million pounds of propellant in 8.5 minutes, and the landing weight can be up to 240,000
pounds
– Solid rocket motors burn 10 tons of fuel per second (Aluminum powder and ammonium
perchlorate) to produce 2.9 million pounds of thrust each
– Main engines produce 23 times the power of Hoover Dam, consume 1000 gal/second (the
equivalent of a swimming pool every 25 seconds); temperatures range from 6000 degrees
F to minus 423 degrees F
– External Tank holds 143,000 gal LO2 & 385,000 gal LH2 (1.6 million lbs). A soft drink
can, scaled up to the same size, would have a skin thicker than the ET (0.5 vs. 0.080
inches)
– 113 Shuttle flights have spent over 2.5 years in orbit, 15 passenger years
– A Shuttle flight costs ~$500M; a minute of crew time costs ~$5000
