SEPTEMBER 2--FLIR Systems (Boston, MA), a leader in infrared cameras, has announced that NASA (Washington, DC; history.nasa.gov/) will present a paper at the annual InfraMation Conference in Las Vegas, NV, October 17-21, 2005. The Space Agency will discuss the use of infrared technology for an on-orbit reinforced carbon-carbon damage detection system to inspect the exterior shuttle surface to minimize risk and ensure safe return during re-entry.

The application of thermography (detecting and measuring infrared heat) was first considered for the Shuttle Program in the fall of 2003, a concept study was undertaken, and in the summer of 2004 the Shuttle Program requested a multicenter effort to consider the feasibility of detecting subsurface damage using a hand-held infrared camera.

The annual InfraMation conference provides many opportunities: novice show attendees will explore infrared camera selection and basic techniques, while professional thermographers will benefit from the ability to renew and maintain their thermography certification by attending InfraMation clinics and be challenged with many new thermography ideas and methodologies. Clinics and presentations for the 2005 conference cover diverse fields from plant operations to scientific and medical infrared applications including R&D, medical/health care, and equine/veterinary thermography.

For more information or to register for InfraMation 2005, contact Jon Richards at 800-254-0632 or visit www.inframation.org.

Fri Sep 02 10:19:00 CDT 2005