The picture above shows Andrew Hunt next to the CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine present at LASP. Andrew is the CNC programmer and his job is to input CAD drawings of a part directly into a computer which controls a milling tool. The computer then guides the tool along very accurate paths (as close as 0.0001") to machine the part exactly as it appears on the computer screen (see picture below).

Lance has been performing all of the prototype machining with manual machining methods, but once fabrication of the flight hardware begins, many of the parts for COLLIDE will be manufactured on the CNC machine. Both Lance and Andrew will program a computer and run the machining programs. By using the CNC machine, the overall production time will be greatly improved.