Inspector 1 (X-Mir-Inspector) (original) (raw)

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Inspector 1 [DASA]

Inspector 1 (or X-Mir-Inspector) is the prototype of a remotely controlled inspectation vehicle for uese at space stations. It was delivered by the Progress-M 36 transporter to the Mir space station. After undocking of Progress-M 36, Inspector 1 was deployed, to conduct operations with the Progress. Thereafter, it was to image the Mir complex, but due to malfunctions, Inspector 1 was discarded for safety reasons.

Basically, the Inspector space vehicle is a free-flying camera in space. However, to ensure that the camera focusses the right spot at the right time, a multitude of other subsystems are required for control of this complex operation. All in all, they can be compared to a photographer on Earth who controls zoom and focus, who aims at the target, takes the camera to the right place, and finally presses the release button. These tasks are accomplished for Inspector by:

• 2 thrusters (40 mN) with fuel tanks and attitude control system with 3 gyro wheels for position and attitude control
• star camera, video navigation, 3 fibre optic gyros for position and attitude determination
• batteries, solar generator (cells) for power supply
• on-board computer as the "brains" to control all processes onboard the satellite

The Inspector System consists of three elements:

• The Space Vehicle itself and
• the Monitoring and Control Station, developed by Daimler-Benz Aerospace, Germany,
• and the Transport and Launch Container, developed by RSC ENERGIA, Russia.

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