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Vehicle Upgrades: Wing Leading Edge Impact Sensors

Boeing led development efforts to install 88 sensors on each wing. Sixty-six measure acceleration and impact data to gauge their strength and location and 22 take temperature data during Discovery's climb to orbit to determine how heat is distributed across their spans. Tests have demonstrated these sensors can detect very small impacts. The sensors are highly sensitive and take 20,000 readings per second. This new network of sensors running along the wings provides an electronic nervous system that gives engineers a valuable way to monitor their condition. An added benefit of the impact sensors is their ability to detect orbital debris impacts while the shuttle is on orbit.

In an installation demonstration the Orbiter Processing Facility, a sensor is placed on the wing leading edge of orbiter Discovery.In an installation demonstration the Orbiter Processing Facility, a sensor is placed on the wing leading edge of orbiter Discovery. The sensors are part of the Wing Leading Edge Impact Detection System, a new safety measure added for all future Space Shuttle missions. The system also includes accelerometers that monitor the orbiter's wings for debris impacts during launch and while in orbit. There are 22 temperature sensors and 66 accelerometers on each wing. Sensor data will flow from the wing to the crew compartment, where it will be transmitted to Earth.

This photo shows the size of the sensors being placed on the wing leading edge of orbiter Discovery.This photo shows the size of the sensors being placed on the wing leading edge of orbiter Discovery. In her hand, United Space Alliance technician Lisa Campbell holds an accelerometer (left), which will eventually be installed on a mounting nut. The sensors are part of the Wing Leading Edge Impact Detection System, a new safety measure added for all future Space Shuttle missions. The system also includes accelerometers that monitor the orbiter's wings for debris impacts during launch and while in orbit. There are 22 temperature sensors and 66 accelerometers on each wing. Sensor data will flow from the wing to the crew compartment, where it will be transmitted to Earth.

In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-114 crew take a close look at the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon on the wing's leading edge on Discovery.In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-114 crew take a close look at the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon on the wing's leading edge on Discovery. From left are Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi (with the Japanese Space Agency), Charles Camarda and Andrew Thomas; accompanied by Cindy Begley, lead EVA flight controller. At right is Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson, with Christi Hansen, EVA trainer. The crew is at KSC for Crew Equipment Interface Test activities. The leading edge panels of the orbiters' wings have 22 Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels, made entirely of carbon composite material. The molded components are approximately 0.25-inch to 0.5-inch thick. During CEIT, the crew has an opportunity to get a hands-on look at the orbiter and equipment they will be working with on the mission. Return to Flight Mission STS-114 will carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies for the International Space Station, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope.