An alignment guide and a mounting interface for two of the repair tools on orbit during the Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission 4 (see SM4 ) were developed. This design can be installed in a timely manner, and was specifically developed for a worksite with minimal access and minimal visual line-of-sight to the worksite. In addition, this technology was specifically designed for on-orbit work by astronauts, and can be used for any space-related work where an alignment aid or mounting interface is required.

The Anchor Guide Stud and Caddy technology consists of a caddy, which contains four handle assemblies, each of these containing a removable guide stud that is installed at the worksite. Each handle assembly is connected to the caddy by a spring reel tether. The caddy provides a means for transporting the guide studs from the stowage location to the worksite. The tools are installed once, and do not require any additional movement or handling at the worksite. There is a secondary locking feature that prevents accidental release of the guide stud. Installing the guide studs is not automated, allowing for operator control and feedback. The guide stud design is simplistic enough that it could be adapted to various worksite interfaces, and its use as an alignment pin or mounting interface could also be adapted to various applications. There is a soft caddy for containing the guide studs for easy translation to the worksite, and effective use at the worksite.

This work was done by Thomas Riggleman and Gordon Blalock of ATK for Goddard Space Flight Center. GSC-16161