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Lightweight Surface Manipulation System (LSMS) AutoNomy capabilities Development for surface Operations and construction (LANDO)

Completed TRL 5 (started at 2, targeting 5)

Description

LANDO will deliver a general-purpose autonomy framework applicable to serial and tension actuated manipulation agents, that has been validated using an existing prototype of the Lightweight Surface Manipulation System (LSMS)-L35: 35-kg wrist lift capacity on the lunar surface, sized for a Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) mission (Fig. 1). Pursuing and securing a CLPS flight following the ECI will enable rapid, low-risk, validation of the LSMS operational capabilities. Simultaneously, the LANDO developed technology will prove scalability by supporting ground testing of the Game Changing Development (GCD) funded LSMS-L1000 (1000-kg wrist lift capacity on the lunar surface, sized for a Human Landing System (HLS) lander) project.

Benefits

Autonomous payload handling for CLPS and HLS partners; Mars forward technology with no additional investment, modular autonomy framework applicable to serial and tension actuated agents.

Details

Technology areaRobotic Systems
ProgramEarly Career Initiative (ECI)
Lead organizationLangley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Start date2021-10-01
End date2024-09-30

Project contacts

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How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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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