Shuttle thermal integrity detection system
OwnerAnthony Sneedinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A detection-grid is disclosed that is part of a vehicle's thermal protection layer, such as that of a space shuttle. A hybrid digital/analog system detects electrical changes in the detection grid caused by mechanical trauma to a vehicle's external surface. The system produces timely and useful display of such events. Furthermore, with redundant verification of such real-time data, the vehicle can detach from other apparatus, such as an external fuel tank or booster rockets, to execute pre-planned glide or descent scenarios maximizing a crew's and vehicle's safe return before proceeding to orbit. The detection-grid ablates off during re-entry of a regular mission.
Claims11
A system for detecting damage to a thermal protection surface of a spacecraft, the system comprising:
- a). A grid mounted with the thermal protection surface;
- b). An apparatus connected with the grid for detecting the change in the property of the grid;
- and
- c). An analyzer connected with the apparatus for receiving and analyzing the change in the property of the grid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.