On-orbit Reconfigurable LiDAR for Mapping and Hazard Detection

In order to track and rendezvous with objects on orbit, a sensor is needed that can accurately measure the object in 3D space. The current state of the art is to use scanning lidar or flash lidar systems to measure the location and pose of the target. When the target is tumbling at high speed, scanning lidars encounter blurring distortions. Flash lidar systems are the only technology that can reliably produce 3D organized point cloud data without motion blurring effects. Enhancing this technology with liquid crystal polarization gratings gives flash lidar the flexibility to change the field of view and staring angle on a per frame basis. Implementing this new step-and-stare lidar design leads to improvements to field of view, angular resolution, and frame rate, while maintaining low SWaP. The goal of this program is to establish the architecture for the Reconfigurable Lidar System. Anon-mechanical variable focus receiver lens and laser beam expander will be designed. The specifications for the liquid crystal optical subcomponents and the controlling electronics will be developed. An on-board processor for built in AI and control software are going to be selected and integrated into the lidar schematics. ASC will work with NASA to tailor the system specifications and performance level to anticipated requirements for future programs. The requirements will be integrated into ASC’s lidar simulator so that performance with the reconfigurability enhancements can be quantitatively assessed. ASC will demonstrate a representative mission in this simulated environment. The phase 1 deliverables are a technical report detailing the design of the re-configurable lidar system and demonstrating the feasibility in a simulated demonstration. The reconfigurable lidar is a step forward for the state of the art in on-orbit 3D measurement hardware. This will position ASC to provide a robust, flexible, and low SWaP solution to the satellite servicing and space domain awareness markets.

Satellite Servicing is an emerging and rapidly growing segment, driven by the need for precise navigation, object recognition, and relative positioning in space. Satellite servicing encompasses activities such as in-orbit repairs, refueling, upgrades, deorbiting, and the assembly of satellite structures, which require highly accurate sensing and navigation capabilities. 3D vision sensors play a crucial role in enabling autonomous or semi-autonomous satellite servicing missions by helping spacecraft to precisely maneuver around and interact with target satellites. Space Domain Awareness is an integral part of the growing space industry. Space Domain Awareness involves monitoring, tracking, and characterizing space objects, including satellites, debris, and other spacecraft, to ensure the safety and security of space operations. 3D vision sensors, such as LiDAR, stereo cameras, and Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors, are key technologies for enabling precise observation and tracking of objects in orbit, contributing to collision avoidance, threat detection, and general situational awareness in space. Both of these applications require a sensor system that is capable of monitoring a large area with high resolution, and both require the distortion free point cloud data that flash lidar provides. The re-configurable flash lidar system addresses the requirements for these applications with a form factor that improves upon the current state of the art. A specialized but rapidly growing sector, driven by advancements in autonomous shipping, maritime safety, and the increasing demand for precise navigation in complex environments like ports, harbors, and congested waterways. 3D vision sensors play a crucial role in enabling autonomous and semi-autonomous vessels to detect obstacles, navigate safely, and operate efficiently in dynamic maritime environments. Commercial Shipping: 3D vision sensors are increasingly integrated into autonomous cargo ships and tanker vessels for enhanced navigation, collision avoidance, and docking efficiency. Naval and Military Vessels: Military forces are adopting 3D vision systems for situational awareness, obstacle detection, and autonomous operations of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and manned ships. ASC’s first product instantiation of an Intelligent 3D Vision Sensor is the Dynamic Positioning Vision (DPVIS) system for seagoing surface vessel relative navigation applications. The US Navy's Strategic Systems Program (SSP) office has awarded a contract to Advanced Scientific Concepts LLC (ASC) for the delivery of twenty (20) shipboard-qualified, Artificial Intelligence-enabled systems to the Transit Protection Program (TPP) for Target Follower Escort Operations (TFEO). With the re-configurable lidar design from this program, ASC will be well positioned to offer a significant SWaP reduction in the Intelligent 3D Vision Sensor. This will enable the technology to be deployed on a wider variety of water vessels, in particular on smaller vessels that cannot accommodate the current, bulkier system.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.