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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
We will perform the initial design of a new class of lidar that is designed to enable near- and mid-infrared spectroscopy science science and support navigation of Lunar roving missions under the challenging illumination conditions at the South Pole. Extended South Pole traverses require roving through shadows and in darkness. Even in sunlit areas the extremely low sun angle at the south pole will make image-based navigation difficult. A spectroscopic lidar would provide both infrared spectroscopy and high-resolution line-of-sight ranging for DEM creation. Our lidar would function as a standalone science instrument but would also provide data in support of mission operations.
This technology is applicable to scenarios in which natural illumination is limited and autonomous roving/hazard avoidance is desired. In addition, spectral discrimination of targets is feasible based on the choice of laser illumination wavelength.
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