Photogrammetry and ballistic analysis of a high-flying projectile in the STS-124 space shuttle launch

Physics – Data Analysis – Statistics and Probability

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

26 pages, 11 figures, 3 tables

Scientific paper

A method combining photogrammetry with ballistic analysis is demonstrated to identify flying debris in a rocket launch environment. Debris traveling near the STS-124 Space Shuttle was captured on cameras viewing the launch pad within the first few seconds after launch. One particular piece of debris caught the attention of investigators studying the release of flame trench fire bricks because its high trajectory could indicate a flight risk to the Space Shuttle. Digitized images from two pad perimeter high-speed 16-mm film cameras were processed using photogrammetry software based on a multi-parameter optimization technique. Reference points in the image were found from 3D CAD models of the launch pad and from surveyed points on the pad. The three-dimensional reference points were matched to the equivalent two-dimensional camera projections by optimizing the camera model parameters using a gradient search optimization technique. Using this method of solving the triangulation problem, the xyz position of the object's path relative to the reference point coordinate system was found for every set of synchronized images. This trajectory was then compared to a predicted trajectory while performing regression analysis on the ballistic coefficient and other parameters. This identified, with a high degree of confidence, the object's material density and thus its probable origin within the launch pad environment. Future extensions of this methodology may make it possible to diagnose the underlying causes of debris-releasing events in near-real time, thus improving flight safety.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Photogrammetry and ballistic analysis of a high-flying projectile in the STS-124 space shuttle launch does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Photogrammetry and ballistic analysis of a high-flying projectile in the STS-124 space shuttle launch, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Photogrammetry and ballistic analysis of a high-flying projectile in the STS-124 space shuttle launch will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-691179

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.