NASA will utilize a Schneider Kreuznach Xenoplan f2.8/50mm Compact C-Mount lens on the Space Shuttle's new orbital inspection boom, which is equipped with cameras and a laser ranging system designed to enable astronauts to scan the orbiter's exterior for damage while in orbit.

Discovering damage while in orbit could be a life-saving event -- affording the Shuttle crew the opportunity to repair the damage before re-entry into the atmosphere, or, if repairs are impossible, dock with the International Space Station to await rescue from the launch of an additional Shuttle or a Russian Soyuz capsule.

"NASA was seeking a high-quality, low-distortion corrected lens, optimized from 400nm ¿ 1000nm, able to cover the 22mm image circle of the new system camera's high resolution CCD," said Schneider Optics Chief Executive Officer Dwight Lindsey.

"The lens needed to be compact in size, and able to maintain its optical quality after withstanding the G-forces and vibrations of Space Shuttle launches, atmospheric re-entries and landings, as well as in the extreme environment of space. Schneider C-Mount lenses were able to satisfy all of those requirements, and because we were able to provide the solution with a standard modified product, NASA realized significant cost-savings over a full-custom solution."

Prior to implementing the system, Schneider's industrial optics engineering team performed calculations that enabled NASA to analyze real-time data that predicts how the Schneider lens would perform with the new vision system.

"We are constantly urging system designers to call Schneider optical engineers as early in the design process as possible, to ensure optimal overall performance of the entire system," explained Lindsey. "This project is an ideal example of just how much early consultation can lead to the best possible solution."

Schneider engineers recommended a modified Xenoplan f2.8/50mm Compact C-Mount lens with design enhancements to further increase ruggedization. "Our Compact C-Mounts are known for their ability to unshakably lock in iris and focus settings, and perform in even the harshest industrial applications," said Lindsey.

"We're proud and honored that their performance has been recognized by NASA, and that they've been chosen as an integral part of NASA's Shuttle Return to Flight Program."

The new inspection system featuring the Schneider Xenoplan Compact C-Mount lens is scheduled to be implemented in upcoming missions of the existing Shuttle fleet.

Prior to being selected for the new orbital inspection boom, Schneider Xenoplan lenses were also used by NASA as part of a three-dimensional structured light (DSL 3-D) system designed to quantify experimental damage to a panel of Space Shuttle tiles.

In laboratory testing, researchers fired pieces of insulating foam (identical to the foam that broke off during the launch of the Shuttle Columbia) at the test panel through a compressed-air cannon. Using the DSL 3-D optical system, which provided an ultra-high-resolution map of the test panel's surface, researchers were able to determine the existence of even microscopic damage.

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