Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) System for Landing Applications [SPLICE subsystem]

Draper’s Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) System for Landing Applications is designed to provide precise vehicle navigation relative to a planetary body where GPS or ground updates are not readily available. Though algorithms for terrain relative navigation have been tested in ground applications for years, this technology addresses the need for reliable space-based systems. During a suborbital flight, the system successfully detected terrain features continuously while above an altitude of 330 feet. Images taken by an onboard camera were compared with a preloaded satellite map to identify common landmarks and track distinct features. This capability aims to improve a robotic or crewed lander’s knowledge of where there is a safe spot to touch down. Problem Statement The TRN system test apparatus is a self-contained, strapdown unit approximately 18”x12”x9” weighing ~4kg. Hardware includes an onboard BRIX computer, battery, sensor board (IMU, magnetometer, altimeter) and the optical camera. There are no required external interfaces. Telemetry will be available via onboard logging and broadcasted signal. Demonstrate capability of system to identify and provide accurate measurements of a set of known surface fixed features dependent on the current vehicle state. Demonstrate robustness of algorithm at various altitudes and light conditions (shadowing) via terrestrial flight testing on multiple vehicles. Technology Maturation The flight test demonstrated the capability of the system to fill a NASA need for technology that can successfully help lander vehicles navigate to safe landing locations for touch down. In addition, information gathered is enabling further hardware and algorithm evaluation, which is likely to result in updates targeting increased accuracy of estimated vehicle state.

Draper’s TRN system provides a risk-reducing solution for space vehicle relative navigation. It is part of a suite of precision landing technologies for possible use on future lunar landers. This would benefit NASA missions and the commercial space industry. Future Customers • Continued development in NASA’s Safe and Precise Landing—Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE) project • Commercial lunar landers • NASA’s Artemis program

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