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Completed TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 6)
The MoonFALL: Moon Fast and Accurate Lidar Localization demonstration will assess a technology designed to advance terrain-relative navigation. Smaller, lightweight hazard detection systems for landing on the Moon are necessary for further exploration of scientifically interesting and resource-rich areas. MoonFALL uses a fusion of new sensor technologies with artificial intelligence and edge computing to create real-time maps that fill the gaps in traditional terrain mapping and facilitate safe descents into shadowed, unexplored regions. It leverages structured light superimposed over a potential landing area in combination with advanced image processing and lidar.
Problem Statement Low lighting and steep topography create ice-bearing regions on the Moon, creating difficult environments for landing in these scientifically interesting regions. The MoonFALL technology could enable landings in shadowed and dark regions without the need for any previous knowledge of the target landing site. The technology is significantly smaller and lighter than existing systems while still providing high-resolution accuracy. The system leverages the advantages of low light conditions to create real-time maps that allow for future exploration of challenging lunar terrain. The combination of a reflective grid map and light detection and ranging (lidar) advances traditional terrain mapping technologies to allow for safe descents in particularly hazardous terrain.
Technology Maturation Flight tests are expected to provide the relevant environment in which to validate a technology that is traditionally difficult to verify. During a nighttime suborbital test flight that simulates a lunar descent, the researchers expect to generate a three-dimensional map of a lunar surface test field in real-time from an altitude of at least 250 meters. Data generated by the flight tests are expected to allow the researchers to further refine the technology and move closer to its application.
Summary of Flight Test
2024-09-26 During this test campaign the CPP Bronco Space team was able to demonstrate the effective use of the MoonFALL technology for creation of a high resolution DEM. The team spent the last two years developing the first EDL technology to attempt to use structured light to aid in the rapid mapping of an unknow surface. The test flight has provided extremely valuable data to aid in this ongoing research effort to incorporate machine learning depth estimation metholodies into a flight ready terrain mapping system.
The MoonFALL: Moon Fast and Accurate Lidar Localization demonstration will assess a technology designed to advance terrain-relative navigation. Smaller, lightweight hazard detection systems for landing on the Moon are necessary for further exploration of scientifically interesting and resource-rich areas. MoonFALL uses a fusion of new sensor technologies with artificial intelligence and edge computing to create real-time maps that fill the gaps in traditional terrain mapping and facilitate safe descents into shadowed, unexplored regions.
Future Customers
• NASA or commercial space exploration missions
• Commercial lunar service providers
• Landing systems required to operate in dark environments
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