The Specular Point-like Quick Reference (SPQR) experiment has been successfully performed in 2005. The purpose of the experiment was to enhance the imaging of the International Space Station (ISS). This improvement was achieved by providing, on the ISS image, a “point-like” light “reference” which allowed to assess the image distortion caused by the atmosphere. The goal of image processing (still going on) is to reach a resolution of 20 cm which would have been probably sufficient to detect the damage which caused the Columbia disaster. Actually we can state that the ultimate aim of SPQR was to prove the effectiveness of a system to increase the safety of manned spacecraft. The “point-like quick reference” was provided by a Cube Corner Reflector (CCR) mounted on an ISS window and reflecting a laser beam coming from a ground station. While other methods for manned spacecraft external damage detection are conceivable, the SPQR approach is simple, cost-effective and quickly achievable. The paper describes the SPQR experiment, the flight and ground equipment and the critical requirements related to this experiment. Some preliminary results are also reported
