Gandalf’s Staff Walking Stick for Lunar EVA Support and Surface Science

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

Gandalf’s Staff is a concept based upon the Apollo program requirements for lunar surface tools to aid EVAs (see http://apollo17.org?t=144:50:39), photogrammetry (Apollo used color corrections with gnomon), and a lunar surveying system (LSS) including a monopod, television camera, film camera, penetrometer, and laser tracker (not implemented but targeted for later [cancelled] Apollo missions). This proposed Artemis Program conceptual design includes 360° LiDAR and cameras, LED lighting, Sample tag dispenser, Gnomon with calibration bars, and multiple surface contact instruments (e.g. spectrometer, seismic geophone, penetrometer), with supporting communications and navigation equipment.

Benefits

The Gandalf's Staff Walking Stick for Lunar EVA Support and Surface Science project directly leads to knowledge acquisition for two ADP focus areas: #6 Lunar sampling R&D for Reqts & Approach (sampling, containing, transporting volatile/cryogenic samples) #7 Surface science: prioritization, planning and ops prioritization development & integration The Apollo program identified a need for an EVA monopod to assist astronauts on lunar traverses, augmented with navigation, communication and science instruments. The current state-of-the-art for 360° LiDAR and camera technology provides for rendering 3D models of spatial geometry but not integrated in a mobile deice that supports multi-purposes (science, illumination, communication and navigation equipment). The proposed tool revolutionizes the documentation of traverse execution and sample collection benefitting the EVA and science community tremendously.

Details

Technology area	Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems > Radio Frequency > Innovative Antennas
Program	Center Innovation Fund: JSC CIF (JSC CIF)
Lead organization	Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Michael E Evans

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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