Orbiter Boom Sensor System
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The Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) is a 50 foot boom terminating in an instrumentation package that can be grappled by the Remote Manipulator System of NASA's Space Shuttle spacecraft.
The OBSS was introduced to the shuttle fleet with mission STS-114, the "Return to Flight" mission executed by Discovery, to inspect the shuttle for damage to the Thermal Protection System (TPS) that could jeopardize the shuttle during re-entry. The creation of the OBSS was prompted by the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, which resulted in the destruction of a shuttle due to damage inflicted to the TPS during lift-off. If critical damage is detected with the OBSS, the crew may attempt to correct it via a spacewalk, or if the damage is not repairable, dock with the International Space Station, where the crew will wait until rescue mission STS-300 can take place.
The OBSS instrumentation package consists of visual imaging equipment, the Laser Dynamic Range Imager (LDRI), and the Laser Camera System (LCS). The sensors can resolve at a resolution of few millimeters, and can scan at a rate of about 2.5 inches (6.3 centimeters) per second.
The OBSS will be routinely used to scan the leading edges of the wings, the nose cap, and the crew compartment after each lift-off. If flight engineers suspect potential damage to other areas, as evidenced in imagery captured during lift-off or the rendezvous pitch maneuver, then additional regions may be scanned.
