Laser Firm Builds Inspection Prototype for Space Agency

Laser Techniques Co. of Bellevue, Wash., has completed the first task of a NASA contract for the development of a miniature automated laser scanner that may improve the safety of space shuttles. The company has created a prototype that can detect and map flaws in the lining of primary control system thrusters on space shuttle orbiters. A small chip or crack in a thruster lining could jeopardize a mission. Laser Techniques has demonstrated that the sensor can map a complex surface with accuracy better than 0.0005 in. It may be eligible for additional contracts under NASA's multiphase program to develop a portable robotic inspection system.