An electronic calibrating system to increase measurements accuracy during aerospace payload transfer operations

Abstract

NASA at Kennedy Space Center conducts multiple payload transfer operations for each space launch, These operations require the mating of multiple payload trunnions to simultaneously latch to the cargo bay. Today, payload technicians help with the guiding of these operations by informing the payload conductor about the offset distances between the payload trunnions and the cargo bay latch. These crane transfer operations are hazardous and time consuming. A simple, robust, centrally operated portable electronic system is proposed to automatically measure coordinate offsets between the trunnions and their support during payload transfer operations. Furthermore, a system is proposed to enhance the electronic counter by calibrating its measurements due to the system mechanical limitations. The calibrating system suggested in this paper is primarily used during the corrections of the reeling range measurements.