Stereooooo innnnn Spaaaaaace!

[P3D Gregory J. Wageman <gjw@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I just read this tidbit at NASA's "Ask Mission Control" Web site
(URL http://shuttle.nasa.gov/sts-80/askmcc/):

"As far as documenting the condition of the Orbiter, we are flying a new
camera called the AERCam/SPRINT (AERCam - Autonomous EVA Robotic Camera)
as a test on STS-87 (launch Oct 9, 1997).  This is a pair of stereo [sic]
cameras mounted inside a 13.5 inch foam padded ball, that has thrusters
for moving it around the Orbiter.  The EVA crew on STS-87 will take the
SPRINT outside and release it.  It will then be flown slowly around the
payload bay by remote control, operated by another astronaut in the
shuttle cabin.  The cameras transmit a stereo image back to the cabin,
and then we will downlink it to the ground.  Should be exciting, stay
tuned!"

(Of course, that's assuming they can get the hatch open-- Doh!)

        -Greg W.


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