NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Test coupon being scanned

The ArcJet 3D Scanner was built to evaluate candidate Orion thermal protection material samples. It allows researchers to generate complete 3D digital models of the materials before and after simulating reentry conditions in the ArcJet test facilities at Ames and Johnson Space Center (JSC). These digital models are then used to measure, study, and document the material’s surface recession and roughness.

Three systems had been delivered, two to Ames and one to JSC. The system uses the same basic high-speed 3D laser scanning technology as the MILT, but with a different architecture and package.

Recession analysis of test coupon ArcJet Scanner with test coupon