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QuVIS And Rorke Data System To Support Shuttle Safety

file photo of shuttle launch
by Staff Writers
Topeka KS (SPX) Mar 10, 2006
QuVIS and Rorke Data will provide a new high-grade imaging and data-storage system to help NASA detect and track possible damage to the space shuttle fleet during its return to flight.

NASA initially selected QuVIS servers for some of its quick-look and tracker applications during upcoming shuttle launches. Then the agency paired the QuVIS servers with Rorke Data's Galaxy storage arrays and high-definition cameras to shoot video of the shuttles (and other spacecraft) before, during and after the launches.

NASA evaluated a wide range of compressed and uncompressed systems before selecting the solutions from QuVIS and Rorke Data, the companies said in a statement.

"Our main requirement was to maintain image integrity within a limited bandwidth environment," said Rodney Grubbs, chairman of the NASA DTV working group. "Our image analysts found no significant difference between uncompressed files and files using wavelet compression with a QuVIS recorder."

To capture the most precise images possible of the shuttle during takeoff, NASA has placed special enclosures on the launch pad to hold the HD cameras, which are connected to QuVIS servers.

Additional tracking cameras located downrange from the launch also are linked to the servers to capture images of the vehicles in flight.

The data are then electronically transferred from the field to image analysis centers in Alabama, Florida and Texas where the content is stored to Rorke's Galaxy HDX systems.

"Rorke Data has been a partner for QuVIS for several years now," said James Graham, QuVIS's vice president of sales and marketing. "Their latest Galaxy HDX was excellent in providing a cost-effective, scalable storage option with the bandwidth necessary to handle HD-quality video."

The system allows secure electronic transfers to reduce the time necessary to provide quick-look imagery from the air and land-based servers to the image-analysis labs. QuVIS utilizes software called Quality Priority Encoding to guarantee image quality - allowing users to capture exactly what the camera provides, while storing it in a fraction of the space. The QuVIS/Rorke Data system is replacing NASA's older tape-based technology.

"The Galaxy HDX has been installed in thousands of high-resolution, mission critical HD and video applications where low cost per gigabyte and high capacity are required," said Joe Rorke, Rorke Data's vice president of marketing and business development.

"Combined with the QuVIS servers, this turnkey solution provides clients like NASA with the high-performance and quality high definition video that the application demands."

Rorke Data is a subsidiary of San Jose-based Bell Microproducts Inc., and QuVIS is a provider of hi-fidelity high-resolution motion imaging technology.

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NASA Successfully Completes Solid Rocket Motor Test
Huntsville AL (SPX) Mar 10, 2006
NASA's Space Shuttle Program successfully fired a full-scale, full-duration reusable solid rocket technical evaluation motor Thursday, March 9, at a Utah test facility. The two-minute static, or stationary, firing of the rocket motor was performed at ATK Thiokol, a unit of Alliant Techsystems Inc., in Promontory, north of Salt Lake City.







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