<title>Orbiter space vision system on space shuttle flight STS-80</title>

Abstract

The assembly of the International Space Station will require the robotic manipulation of elements with a degree of complexity and restricted visibility which will be unprecedented in the history of manned space operations. Space-based robotic operators will maneuver multi-ton space station elements into tight capture envelopes with limited, non-orthogonal camera views and little to no direct viewing through windows. A camera-based system known as the Canadian Space Vision System will provide astronauts with the necessary precise positioning cues to perform these element berthings. An experimental version of this vision system was utilized on the space shuttle Columbia flight in November, 1996 to demonstrate element berthings and to evaluate several space station assembly operations.