Inspection Considerations from the ISS Program
Discipline: Nondestructive Evaluation
The International Space Station Program has maintained a permanent human presence in space since November, 2000. Through the assembly of the vehicle, multiple on-orbit anomalies, and now the transition to full utilization many needs for inspection techniques have been identified. Some of these needs have been satisfied and others remain desired capabilities. An overview of the types of inspections needed, such as visual indications, measurement of structural damage, and thermal performance, will be discussed. Key risks that define inspection methods as part of the mitigation plan will be summarized, along with methods we use to demonstrate these techniques both for ISS needs as well as looking forward to Exploration capabilities using the ISS as a demonstration platform.