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Case Study: Neptec and Dimension Bring Endeavour Home Safely

From Dimension 3D Printers by Stratasys
 

 

On August 13, 2007, just after lift off, the space shuttle Endeavour’s Thermal Protection System (TPS) suffered damage due to falling foam from the fuel tank. Sensors detected damage to the heat-resistant tiles lining the orbiter’s underbelly, posing a threat to the shuttle’s safe reentry to Earth. NASA called on Neptec Design Group, a prime contractor to NASA since 1995, to collect three-dimensional information to evaluate the severity of the situation. Neptec’s Laser Camera System (LCS) was used to collect 3D images, which provided NASA with the tangible information required to test the damaged tiles.

“Due to the extreme nature of the environment, every space mission presents an elevated level of risk. By providing accurate, three-dimensional information and clearly communicating the extent of the damage, NASA was able to make a better educated decision, which, in turn, brought the Endeavour crew home safely.” – Maureen Campbell, Marketing and Communications Manager, Neptec

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