Draper Multi-Environment Navigator High Altitude Balloon Campaign

The Draper Multi-Environment Navigator (DMEN) is a suite of sensors that addresses the need for precise entry, descent, and landing (EDL) on both human and robotic exploration missions. This system improves a landers knowledge of where it is, and additionally identifies landing hazards at planetary bodies where GPS or ground updates are not readily available. The technology functions in a small, self-contained package with algorithms that use data from the sensors for navigation. Two balloon flights enabled data collection and validation of algorithms for DMEN’s descent capability. Problem Statement As exploration reaches further into the solar system both human missions and a multitude of smaller craft will need to perform Entry, Descent & Landing (EDL) to complete their missions. Technology Maturation Before the flight test, DMEN was at a TRL level of 6-7 for both ground and low-altitude operations. Its descent function, however, required a near-space environment before it could advance from TRL 4. Two balloon flights successfully validated the system’s sensors and algorithms in a high-altitude environment, advancing the technology to TRL 6.

SciTech2023: Vision-Based Terrain Relative Navigation on High Altitude Balloon and Sub-Orbital Rocket

This technology provides a comprehensive autonomous navigation capability that can be applied to multiple types of missions such as planetary landing, small body relative navigation, and surface mobility. It provides a lightweight and intelligent solution where GPS is not available. This would benefit NASA missions, the commercial space industry, and other government agencies. Future Customers • NASA or commercial human and robotic missions requiring EDL • Astronaut tracking • High-speed drones for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency • Guided parafoils for the U.S. Army

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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