Small All-range LIdar for Moon and Mars (SALI)

We propose to continue modifying our Small All-range LiDAR (SALI) to broaden its applications for the Moon to Mars program. We will continue the collaboration with the Goddard autoNGC team to develop a lower-cost version of SALI as an altitude sensor for lunar missions. We will build and test a 1.95-micron laser transmitter and conduct additional environmental test to SALI to further mature the instrument for a fast-track lunar or Mars mission.

Lower-cost SALI version as lunar altitude sensor; 1.95-micron laser transmitter build and test; additional environmental testing; broadened M2M program applications through GSFC autoNGC team collaboration.

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.