1035nm CASALS Lidar for Navigation Velocity and 3-D imaging Measurements

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

We propose to enhance an 1035nm CASALS lidar system for both navigation Velocity and 3-D imaging Measurements. A recent RI2 project successfully demonstrated the measurement approach at 1550nm. We will tailor the 1035nm CASALS hardware being developed under the CASALS IIP program and experimentally validate both measurements. This project will also investigate a multi-beam CASALS design that could bring significant benefits for navigation and 3-D imaging

Benefits

Hazard avoidance and navigation for lunar landing; Satellite service, space debris clean up, and EDL; 3D mapping for asteroid and comet explorations. Efficient and fast 3D imaging of landing site with 2k x 2k pixels/sec and real-time 3D map generation; Reduce SWaP and cost by allowing long distance velocity and range measurement with same hardware; Relax requirements on key components (steering mirror speed, laser tuning range and speed).

Details

Technology area	Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems > Network-Provided Position, Navigation, and Timing > Revolutionary PNT Technologies
Program	Center Innovation Fund: GSFC CIF (GSFC CIF)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2022-10-01
End date	2023-09-30

Project contacts

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

Jeffrey R Chen — jeffrey.r.chen@nasa.gov
Guangning Yang — guangning.yang-1@nasa.gov
Hui Li — hui.li-1@nasa.gov
Xiaoli Sun — xiaoli.sun-1@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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