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CTRL UL101 Handheld Ultrasound Device
Used By NASA's Crew to Find Leak on Space Station

January 15, 2004
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CTRL Systems, Inc. (Westminster, Maryland) - The yearlong assignment of the CTRL UL101 (UL101) ultrasonic inspection kit on the International Space Station (ISS) is complete. Now, NASA is in the process of making the ultrasonic technology a permanent fixture on the ISS and is planning to include the technology as a part of each Orbiter mission. For almost one month, NASA mission controllers have been concerned about a slow drop in pressure on the interior of the International Space Station. A leak from an unknown source has allowed oxygen to escape slowly into space.

After using the CTRL UL101 ultrasonic inspection device manufactured by CTRL Systems, a firm based in Westminster, Maryland, astronauts found a leak believed to be the cause of the change in pressure. NASA astronaut Michael Foale used the UL101 to scan the Space Station and detected a hissing sound in the laboratory module. Zeroing in on the sound, he quickly discovered the source - a very small leak in a hose less than a foot long used to prevent moisture from building up. Since the hose was removed and sealed, pressure seems to have stabilized. Because the UL101 provided astronauts the ability to pinpoint the source of the problem, NASA can now continue with its plans for the spacewalk that is scheduled for next month.

CTRL was introduced to NASA in the beginning of 2001. In less than six months from the first meeting, CTRL was able to deliver a system that passed all NASA space-ready testing. The UL101 was immediately added to the flight manifest. The UL101 was delivered to the Space Station in July 2001 with the new Air Lock module, which is the doorway to space walks. The device was used within the first forty-eight hours on the station to help bring the Air Lock operational. These events prompted NASA's decision in Fall 2002 to place a UL101 on each of the Shuttles in the space program as standard equipment. Bob Roche, CEO of CTRL Systems said, "These early results are just a part of what NASA has in mind for use of our technology." CTRL Systems continues its relationship with NASA to enlarge the scope of applications and expects further expansion of the technology for use in space and on earth.

The UL101 is a non-destructive test device that utilizes the properties of ultrasound to provide a quick and accurate method for testing the condition of systems and components such as manufacturing equipment, gas and water lines, pumps, non-pressurized vessels, and more.