Development of an Automated Optical Inspection System for Determining Percent Area Coverage for Spacecraft Contamination Control

摘要

This paper describes the use of an automated optical inspection system to determine the percent area coverage of particle matter on surfaces for determination of surface cleanliness in accordance with IEST-STD-CC1246 (formerly MIL-STD-1246). This system consists of an optical microscope, motor-driven X-Y stage, digital camera, and software and can be used to scan surfaces for particles with selected features; an example will be given of a scan for glass beads on Gel-Pak~(~R) surfaces used to tape-lift spacecraft structure prior to shipment to a propulsion system supplier who prohibits glass beads from entering their facility.