BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Hangar N at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station played a vital role in maintaining the safety of NASA's shuttle fleet. Now, PaR Systems is putting some of that same testing equipment to commercial use.
"Our partnership with PaR allowed us to keep the people, keep the capability, effectively with no cost to NASA other than the point in time when we needed a service performed," said planning development director Tom Engler.
For NASA, which will have its first unmanned test flight of the Orion spacecraft later this year, it's a win-win situation.
"It's essential we have the right support as we transform the Kennedy Space Center to this multiuse space port of the future. We are making it happen," said Director of the Kennedy Space Center Bob Cabana.
The nondestructive testing equipment uses X-ray and laser technology. The purpose is to detect signs of stress or damage that might occur during the manufacture or use of a part like a shuttle heat shield.
But, there are more than aerospace applications. PaR also performs testing for nuclear, marine and industrial products and services.
"We think the future is bright, some good opportunities," said Brian Behm of PaR.
PaR has a 15-year lease agreement with NASA.
WFTV