LExSO Lidar Laser Development

Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)

Description

We propose to demonstrate the new laser capabilities required for spectroscopic infrared reflectance measurement for high sensitivity mapping of water ice as well as for high-resolution topographic mapping.

Benefits

Upgrade an existing laser that has been developed for the purpose of spectroscopic infrared reflectance measurement to allow for the additional requirement of high-resolution topographic mapping. This effort is primarily a risk reduction of the laser's critical component to achieve the needed performance.

Details

Technology area	Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems > Environmental Monitoring, Safety, and Emergency Response > Air, Water, Microbial, and Acoustic Sensors
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2023-10-01
End date	2025-09-30

Project contacts

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

Terry A Hurford — terry.a.hurford@nasa.gov
Gregory B Clarke — gregory.b.clarke@nasa.gov
John F Cavanaugh — john.f.cavanaugh@nasa.gov
Steven X Li — steven.x.li@nasa.gov
Xiaoli Sun — xiaoli.sun-1@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.