News

Certificates of Appreciation from NASA

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April 22, 2006

On April 5th, 2006 Gregory J. Byrne, Deputy Chief, Johnson Space Center Office for Human Exploration Science, issued Certificates of Appreciation to Cardinal System's Mike Kitaif and Tom Blankenship for their work and support during the STS-114 Shuttle mission.

NASA's Image Science and Analysis Group (IS&AG) utilizes Cardinal System's Vr Mapping software for three-dimensional analysis of Shuttle Thermal Protection System and leading edge surfaces during space flight.

During the STS-114 mission Vr Mapping was used to view and measure the foam loss on the External Tank after launch.  It was also used by NASA engineers to view and measure a torn heat blanket under Commander Eileen Collins crew cabin window.  This analysis helped NASA make the decision not to make a final space walk to repair the area.

Kitaif and Blankenship will return to Johnson Space Center to supply technical assistance, if needed, during the STS-121 mission this summer.