EDL Sensor Suite

Optical Air Data Systems (OADS) L.L.C. proposes a LIDAR based remote measurement sensor suite capable of satisfying a significant number of the desired sensing requirements in a compact, lightweight, and extremely power efficient form factor. OADS all-fiber optic LIDAR and Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) technology is capable of measuring precise height above ground, ground speed, ground drift, range-gated relative winds, ambient temperature, as well as ambient pressure through the entire entry and descent phase of the spacecraft. Unlike other LIDAR solutions that would require imaging around or through the aeroshell, OADS patented LDV solutions can directly measure a range map of the terrain while simultaneously providing surface relative velocity information for navigation near the ground. OAD LDV solutions include a remote wind sensor capable of measuring wind information at multiple distances ahead of the spacecraft during the entry and descent phases. Once descent is complete, the sensor can be used on the ground to collect local environmental data (including surface winds) as advance information for the fetch rover, the planetary ascent vehicle, and for future missions.

Technology advancements resulting from development of the proposed sensor suite would lead to the commercialization of long-range standalone sensors for airborne platforms. The sensor suite developed could be integrated with weather sattelites to provide terrestrial wind data as well as on launch platforms to provide wind at launch sites. Furthermore, these sensors can act as remote weather stations on all future exploration missions.

Technology advancements resulting from development of the proposed sensor suite would lead to the commercialization of long-range standalone sensors for airborne platforms. The resulting next generation navigation sensor suite can be standard equipment on military, commercial, a well as government rotary wing as well as fixed wing aircraft. Furthermore, the resulting technology enhancements in wind sensing will lead to commercialized sensing solutions for the renewable wind energy applications to enhance the efficiency of utility scale wind turbines. These sensors also can be used to perform wind resource assessment for the next generation wind energy market. Finally, they can be used by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to enhance weather reporting and modelling for the future.

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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