Virtek Iris 3D system enables sustainable space tourism experience

Space Perspective (Orlando, Fla., U.S.), a carbon-neutral luxury spaceflight experience company, is harnessing the power of Virtek’s (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) Iris 3D vision positioning system (VPS) in the manufacture of its Spaceship Neptune — a pressurized capsule propelled by a high-performance SpaceBalloon which is able to take explorers to space without using rocket fuel or high G forces.

The Iris 3D system locates parts in 3D space and then precisely projects a laser template onto the workpiece to guide operators through each step of the composite layup and fabrication process. According to Virtek, the system delivers high laser line visibility, especially on large tools and parts with complex geometries, even in brightly lit manufacturing environments.

Space Perspective was looking for ways to accelerate its composite layup processes and reduce labor-intensive tasks, but also needed the flexibility to work in different areas of its manufacturing floor. The Virtek system’s integrated FlashAlign feature aids in solving this challenge by eliminating the need for workers to align laser targets manually, and thus streamlining the initial setup process and improving overall worker productivity. In addition, because Virtek’s Iris 3D system is compact and highly portable, workers are able to quickly and easily reposition it on the manufacturing floor for use on any tool.

“The Virtek laser-based vision system has enabled us to reduce waste, increase technician confidence and add a critical layer of verification to our manufacturing process,” Peter Tinkman, manager of Capsule Manufacturing Engineering at Space Perspective, says. “As one can imagine, our composite tooling and parts are quite large and have complicated geometries, but Virtek’s solution makes dealing with these challenges a breeze.”

Virtek’s experienced service technicians install and calibrate each Iris projection system and customize operator training to meet the organization’s unique process needs. “The team at Virtek understands that each deployment of their system needs to integrate flawlessly,” Tinkman adds. “Their dedication to this philosophy has made working with them easy and their attention to the customer after the sale adds a level of confidence to their clients’ mission success.”

Setting a new bar in out-of-this-world adventures, Space Perspective plans to take space explorers to space beginning in late 2024. During the six-hour journey, explorers will see the world anew from 20 miles above the earth. The comfortable, accessible and gentle journey is said to redefine space travel. Space Perspective has sold more than 1,000 tickets to date. Tickets are available to reserve now at the current price of $125,000 at SpacePerspective.com