Atlantis prepares for undocking – TriDAR tests continue with flyaround - by Chris Gebhardt.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/07/atlantis-undocking-tridar-tests-continue-flyaround/
This is a big focus on TriDAR.
That's awesome that Atlantis and Shuttle are helping to pave the way for AR&D by future vehicles --- specifically to ISS, and possibly for Mars Sample Return, and by extension, most any major BEO exploration. A gift to the future, even during her own swan song.
-Alex
Yeah, totally! We're ramping up on the Commercial side. Put a statement down with the ULA announcement by having it in the bag beforehand - we've always had a good relationship with ULA - and this one was a happy coincidence as we planned to have this article on sooner, then word came in on the deal. Neptec are great people too. It was nice to add the note of the deal into a big feature on TriDAR, but this will be followed up as we obviously get on very well with Orbital too
It's really surprising how much commonality there is with SSP into the new phase. Now something we've been following for years with Shuttle will ride on with Cygnus. This is important, as while I'm planning a massive post shuttle transition, we'll never lose our love for the orbiters. SLS and Orion are a non brainer for us to lead on, but I'm going to stick this site's foot in the door of everyone who is involved with pointy metal that goes uphill.
I'm rambling. Back to FD12!
