Project

Design and build a prototype International Space Station camera that can be flown around inside the space station from the ground.

Purpose

To provide the capability for International Space Station Flight Controllers the ability to look around the International Space Station to validate configurations.

Overview

The goal of this project is to use as many commercial off the shelf (COTS) products as possible and make this on orbit camera. Jordan HS is one of two schools working on this project.  NASA has reserved a two day flight on the Zero gravity plane to test the prototype.  There will be a total of six (6) flyers, three each day.  If Jordan HS students have a design to test then they will be given the opportunity to test their design.  This is a challenging project.  Not only does this camera need to be stable at low velocities it has to be controllable from the ground. The team has received a second presentation from the NASA customer focusing on required controllability of the camera prototype.  They are performing some simulated reduced gravity experiments on the AR Drone to determine how it reacts and functions in this type of environment.  They have completed some 3D modeling of design concepts as well. Updated 01/11/11

On April the 7th and 8th, 2011 the team successfully flew their flying camera platform on the Zero Gravity plane at Ellington Field, Houston, TX.

Team

The Jordan HS HUNCH team is an advanced drafting class.

Status

The team has received a presentation from the NASA customer and has generated some preliminary designs.  They have also worked with a Roomba and AR Drone to see similar type devices.