Eric Brune and Aaron Sanford
Eric Brune and Aaron Sanford, a pair of experienced Quality Assurance (QA) Engineers supporting the MIST II contract at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), are making history - and saving cost and time - with the implementation of Augmented Reality (AR).
“Eric and I used our combined metrology experience to develop a new method/approach that incorporates Augmented Reality technology, alongside convention-al metrology equipment, to expedite the integration of space flight hard-ware and assemblies,” said Aaron, who has supported projects at Goddard for 13 years. “This technology enabled us to effectively assist technicians during the integration of the Roman Propulsion tank assembly into the flight bus structure of the Roman Space Telescope (RST).
“Utilizing this new method, we are reducing the amount of iterations and ultimately saving time and costs for the projects here at GSFC.”
In February 2024, engineers used augmented reality tools to prepare for the assembly of the RST propulsion system.
“Aaron and I both have been working very hard on developing metrology methods that enhance our capability and it has totally been worth it,” said Eric, an 8-year Goddard veteran. “We enjoy developing innovative techniques of using the hardware available to us and to provide tools that are super-efficient and ensure the success of our Goddard missions.
“One of these innovations was the synergy of Augmented Reality technology and existing metrology equipment. With these tools, we were able to successfully perform the crucial alignment of the RST propulsion assembly to the spacecraft bus structure, saving 176 days of project schedule based on the lead engineer of the program.”
AR is an innovative tool that enhances the efforts of engineers and technicians – a fact that is not lost on the efforts of Eric and Aaron.
“Being involved in critical efforts such as these gives me a profound sense of purpose and reminds me to be grateful for the colleagues who help make projects like this come together,” said Eric.
“I am passionate about my work and take immense pride in witnessing our efforts yield excellent outcomes,” said Aaron. "Me to be grateful for the colleagues who help make projects like this come together,” said Eric.
Engineers used AR tools to prepare for the assembly of the Roman Space telescope propulsion system in February 2024.
Aaron designed this logo for the new technology; “A.R.M.S. - Augmented Reality Metrology Systems.”
Comments