The space shuttle Discovery did not launch as expected Wednesday, but when it does NASA will be using 3D software from Raindrop Geomagic to help monitor it.

"We feel privileged that NASA has selected Geomagic Studio software for this critical role," said Rob Black, Raindrop 's account executive working with NASA. "It is a major validation of our software's high level of automation, speed, reliability and accuracy."

Raindrop, which has patented its technology and has been in business since 1996, develops software that is used by more than 2,000 worldwide to help create 3D images and models.

Video surveys will be taken of Discovery's outer skin from its 50-foot robotic arm. Raindrop said its Geomagic Studio software would be used to create 3D models of any tiles that might be found to have been damaged during flight. NASA will then recreate facsimiles of the damaged tiles and test each to see if they can absorb the heat and stress of reentering the earth's atmosphere. If not, astronauts will have to replace them in space.

Damage to tiles doomed the space shuttle Columbia when it tried to return to earth 2 1/2 years ago.

Raindrop engineers are on call if NASA needs technical help, Raindrop added.

Raindrop recently received a US patent for its ability to convert 3D scanner outputs into a 3D model. It now owns four patents and is pursing several others.

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