Our Missions
Neptec has more than 25 years history as an award winning space industry prime contractor. We have extensive experience working with the most prestigious space agencies and corporations across the globe. Our equipment has been used on over 50 space missions and our staff have provided over 30,000 hours of operational support to those missions.
NEPTEC IN A BOX
New Set of Eyes for the ISS - CSA
Neptec is designing a state-of-the-art vision sensor suite for the International Space Station (ISS). This exceptional vision system is comprised of three different types of sensors working together to generate unique imagery: a high resolution 3D LiDAR, a thermal night vision camera and a high resolution video camera.
ExoMars Mars Mission - ESA
ExoMars is a European Space Agency (ESA) Programme that will explore the surface and sub-surface of Mars in 2020. Neptec has been contracted to develop and deliver the ExoMars Cameras (EXMC).
NAVIGATION IN HARSH ENVIRONMENTS
DOCKING WITHOUT TARGETS
ISS Resupply - Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK cargo resupply missions provide supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). Neptec’s TriDAR Automated Rendezvous and Docking sensor allows the Cygnus Service Module to approach the station and position itself for capture by the station’s robotic arm.
Luna Resource-1 Lander - ESA
Scheduled to launch in 2021, the “Luna Resource-1 Lander” is an unmanned mission to the Moon – The first in a series of launches that could see the first habitat on the Moon. Neptec’s LEIA (LIDAR for Extra- terrestrial Imaging Applications) will be used as a landing sensor
LANDING SENSORS
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
PROBA Missions - ESA
PROBA is a series of satellite missions by the ESA, PROBA-3 will study the Sun’s corona. Neptec’s Fine Lateral and Longitudinal Sensor (FLLS) is responsible for accurately measuring the relative position of two satellites in order to keep them in a tight flying formation so they are effectively joined together, even though there is no physical connection.
On Orbit Spacecraft Inspection - NASA
After 2003 Neptec’s Laser Camera System was made a mandatory safety system on every NASA shuttle mission. Its role was to scan the shuttle’s thermal protection system to perform damage inspection, and facilitate clearance of the shuttle for landing.
ON-ORBIT INSPECTION AND DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
PRECISION ASSEMBLY IN SPACE
International Space Station Assembly - NASA
Neptec’s Space Vision System (SVS) was used to provide real-time, precise visual and numerical alignment and positioning cues to the Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) crews when installing new modules during the assembly of the space station.
Cygnus CRS OA-9E
May 21, 2018
Cygnus TriDAR flies standard on all ISS resupply missions and provides automated, real-time visual guidance for navigation, rendezvous and docking procedures.
Cygnus CRS OA-8E
November 12, 2017
Cygnus TriDAR flies standard on all ISS resupply missions and provides automated, real-time visual guidance for navigation, rendezvous and docking procedures.
Cygnus CRS OA-7
April 18, 2017
Cygnus TriDAR flies standard on all ISS resupply missions and provides automated, real-time visual guidance for navigation, rendezvous and docking procedures.
Cygnus CRS OA-5
October 17, 2016
Cygnus TriDAR flies standard on all ISS resupply missions and provides automated, real-time visual guidance for navigation, rendezvous and docking procedures.
Cygnus CRS OA-6
March 23, 2016
Cygnus TriDAR flies standard on all ISS resupply missions and provides automated, real-time visual guidance for navigation, rendezvous and docking procedures.
ASTRO-H – Hitomi – JAXA
February 7, 2016
Neptec’s Canadian Astro-H Metrology System (CAMS) was used to measure the lateral displacement of a receiver plate relative to a signal’s axis.
Cygnus CRS OA-4
December 6, 2015
Cygnus TriDAR flies standard on all ISS resupply missions and provides automated, real-time visual guidance for navigation, rendezvous and docking procedures.
Cygnus CRS Orb-3
October 28, 2014
Cygnus TriDAR flies standard on all ISS resupply missions and provides automated, real-time visual guidance for navigation, rendezvous and docking procedures.
Cygnus CRS Orb-2
July 13, 2014
Cygnus TriDAR flies standard on all ISS resupply missions and provides automated, real-time visual guidance for navigation, rendezvous and docking procedures.
STS-135 / ISS ULF7 Space Shuttle Atlantis
July 8, 2011
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data. Neptec’s TriDAR DTO system used for real-time 6 degree of freedom tracking – Including real-time tracking from 2D IR camera data, updated optics and calibration shutter for the IR imager.
STS-134 / ISS ULF6 Space Shuttle Endeavour
May 16, 2011
The shuttle sustained damage on its ascent to the ISS, and the LCS determined that the shuttle would be safe for re-entry. The LCS was then permanently stowed onboard the ISS for use in future spacewalks.
STS-133 / ISS ULF5 Space Shuttle Discovery
February 24, 2011
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data.
STS-132 / ISS ULF4 Space Shuttle Discovery
May 14, 2010
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data
STS-131 / ISS 19A Space Shuttle Discovery
April 5, 2010
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data. Neptec’s TriDAR DTO was used in tracking of “tumbling targets” and the embedded infrared camera was successfully demonstrated.
STS-130 / ISS 20A Space Shuttle Discovery
February 8, 2010
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data.
STS-129 / ISS ULF3 Space Shuttle Discovery
November 16, 2009
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data.
STS-128 / ISS 17A Space Shuttle Discovery
August 28, 2009
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data. Neptec’s TriDAR DTO system successfully demonstrated real-time model-based rendezvous and docking techniques for the first time in space. TriDAR met all of its primary mission objectives.
STS-127 / ISS 2J/A Space Shuttle Discovery
July 16, 2009
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data.
STS-125 / ISS HST-SM4 Space Shuttle Atlantis
May 11, 2009
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data.
STS-119 / ISS 15A Space Shuttle Discovery
March 15, 2009
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data.
STS-126 / ISS ULF2 Space Shuttle Discovery
November 14, 2008
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data.
STS-124 / ISS 1J Space Shuttle Discovery
May 31, 2008
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data.
STS-123 / ISS 1J/A Space Shuttle Endeavour
March 11, 2008
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data.
STS-122 / ISS 1E Space Shuttle Atlantis
February 7, 2008
Damage was incurred when part of the thermal blanket was lifted. The LCS was used to inspect this area and determine that the damage did not pose a threat to the shuttle upon re-entry
STS-118 / ISS 13A.1 Space Shuttle Endeavour
August 7, 2007
The shuttle sustained damage on its ascent to the ISS, and the LCS determined that the shuttle would be safe for re-entry.
STS-117 / ISS 13A Space Shuttle Atlantis
June 8, 2007
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data. The crew used the Space Vision System to connect the S3/S4 Truss to the S1 Truss.
STS-116 / ISS 12A.1 Space Shuttle Discovery
December 9, 2006
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data.
STS-115 / ISS 12A Space Shuttle Atlantis
September 9, 2006
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur. The crew also used the SVS to install the P3/P4 Truss to the P1 Truss.
STS-121 / ULF 1.1 Space Shuttle Discovery
July 4, 2006
LCS flies as a mandatory system, should any damage occur, LCS will be used to gather 3D data.
STS 114 / ISS LF1 Space Shuttle Discovery
July 26, 2005
LCS was used to image several areas of potential tile damage, and to ensure that an external fuel tank door had closed fully.
STS-113 / ISS 11A Space Shuttle Endeavour
November 23, 2002
The crew used the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) to provide cues for the installation of the S1 Truss to the S0 Truss.
STS-112 / ISS 9A Space Shuttle Atlantis
October 7, 2002
The crew used in the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) to provide cues for the installation of the S1 Truss to the S0 Truss.
STS-110 / ISS 8A Space Shuttle Atlantis
April 8, 2002
The crew used in the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) to provide cues for the installation of the SO Truss to the US Lab.
STS-108 / ISS UF-1 Space Shuttle Endeavour
December 5, 2001
The crew was trained to use the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) to provide cues for the mating of the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module.
STS-105 / ISS 7A.1 Space Shuttle Discovery
August 10, 2001
The crew used the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) to provide cues for the mating of the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module.
STS-104 / ISS 7A Space Shuttle Atlantis
July 12, 2001
The ISS crew used the photosolutions provided by both the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) and the Artificial Vision Unit (AVU) to provide cues for the successful installation of the Quest Airlock to the Unity Node.
STS-100 / ISS 6A Space Shuttle Endeavour
April 19, 2001
The crew used in the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) to provide cues for the installation of the SLP to the US Lab.
STS-102 / ISS 5A.1 Space Shuttle Discovery
March 8, 2001
Neptec’s Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) was used to provide cues for un-mating of the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module.
STS-98 / ISS 5A
February 7, 2001
The crew used the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) to provide cues for the successful mating of the Destiny Lab to the ISS, installation of the Pressurized Mating Adapter 1 to the Z1 Truss and the Pressurized Mating Adapter to the Unity Lab.
STS-97 / ISS 4A Space Shuttle Endeavour
November 30, 2000
The Crew used the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) to provide cues for the successful mating of the P6 Truss to the Z1 Truss.
STS-92 / ISS 3A Space Shuttle Discovery
October 11, 2000
Crew used the Orbiter Vision System (OSVS) to provide cues for the installation of the Z1 Truss and the Pressurized Mating Adapter 3.
STS-106 / ISS 2A/2B Space Shuttle Atlantis
September 8, 2000
Neptec’s SVS performed operational evaluations including Automatic Focal Length Calibration Techniques. In addition, 100hrs of logging of Single-Event Upsets was performed.
STS-101 / ISS 2A.2 Space Shuttle Atlantis
May 19, 2000
Neptec’s SVS performed operational evaluations including Automated Operations, 2-camera photosolution, Automatic Target Acquisition and logging of Single-Event Upsets.
STS-96 / ISS 2A.1 Space Shuttle Discovery
May 27, 1999
Several tests were performed to evaluate the potential impact of the overhead window to the SVS photosolution in preparation for the 3A Z1 Install Ops. In addition, several tests were performed from the ground to assess the operational viability of the Stored Solution functionality.
STS-88 / ISS 2A Space Shuttle Endeavour
December 4, 1998
Crew used the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) for its first operational mission and provided a cue for the mating of the Russian Zarya module to the US Unity module.
STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery
October 29, 1998
Crew used the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) to generate a photosolution during the berthing and un-berthing of the SPARTAN satellite.
STS-91 Space Shuttle Discovery
June 2, 1998
Crew performed similar tasks with the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS) to those performed during the STS-89 Flight. In addition, the new Camera Control Interface Functionality (CCIF) was used.
STS-89 Space Shuttle Endeavour
January 22, 1998
Crew worked for the first time with the Orbiter Space Vision System (OSVS). The technical objective was to perform basic photogrametric tasks using the wire-tray targets from two camera views and to compare results with those obtained on the ground at IVT
STS-85 Space Shuttle Discovery
August 7, 1997
Crew worked with Advanced Space Vision System (ASVS) to rehearse planned operations during ISS assembly. On-orbit testing was also performed to verify the tracking performance of different target/background materials.
STS-81 Space Shuttle Atlantis
January 12, 1997
Crew worked with the Advanced Space Vision System (ASVS), designed to monitor position and alignment of structures in space.
STS-80 Space Shuttle Columbia
November 19, 1996
Crew worked with the Advanced Space Vision System (ASVS), designed to monitor position and alignment of structures in space.
STS-79 Space Shuttle Atlantis
September 16, 1996
Developed plans and procedures for ASVS ground processing DTO. Supported real time operations and data collection during flight.
STS-76 Space Shuttle Atlantis
March 22, 1996
Developed plans and procedures for ASVS ground processing DTO. Supported real time operations and data collection during flight.
STS-74 Space Shuttle Atlantis
November 12, 1995
Mission Design, procedures development and crew training for ASVS on orbit DTO. Supported orbiter integration and test. Real time support to ASVS operations. Developed plans and procedures for ASVS ground processing DTO. Supported real time operations and data collection during flight.
STS-71 Space Shuttle Atlantis
June 25, 1995
Developed plans and procedures for ASVS ground processing DTO. Supported real time data collection during flight.
STS-69 Space Shuttle Endeavour
June 7, 1995
Developed plans and procedures for ASVS ground processing DTO. Supported real time operations and data collection during flight.
STS-52 Space Shuttle Columbia
October 22, 1992
Developed procedures and trained crew for SVS. Provided real time support to SVS operations.
Image credit NASA (various) | Rover image credit CSA