Robust Flash 3D-FPA Sensor

Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc. (ASC) is a small business, which has developed a compact, eye-safe 3D Flash LIDARTM Camera (FLC) well suited for real-time spacecraft trajectory, speed, orientation measurements relative to the planet's surfaces and evaluating potential hazards during the critical landing sequence. Data collected using ASC's FLC at JPL's Mars Yard and in NASA ALHAT flight tests demonstrated that ASC Flash LIDAR system can meet the requirements for Entry Descent and Landing (EDL). Aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-127), SpaceX and ASC demonstrated the DragonEye Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking (AR&D) Flash LIDAR solution in low earth orbit, the first Flash LIDAR in space. ASC is developing a camera for iRobot Corporation for use in autonomous robotic navigation which is directly applicable to EDL mission requirements. The purpose of the Phase I SBIR effort is to increase the 3D-Focal Plane Array's (3D-FPA) long term reliability by creating a 3D-FPA Dewar sensor assembly. Reliability will be improved significantly by reduced outgassing, corrosion prevention, radiation tolerance and reduced aging sensitivity. ASC's 128x128 3D array FLC has the equivalent of 16,000 range finders on a single FPA which allows the sensor to act as a 3D video camera with enhanced functionality and value add well beyond range finding.

ASC is pursuing many non-NASA applications. Collision/Pedestrian Avoidance Automotive Collision Avoidance Helicopter landing in Brown-Out Conditions, Mid-Air Refueling Surveillance Terrain Mapping Autonomous Navigation for Unmanned Vehicles Smart intersection Robotics and Machine Vision Underwater 3D Imaging Sub Nanosecond Dynamic Imaging 3D Sports Imaging

This sensor will increase the success of NASA operations such as: Mars Landed Exploration Exploration of Moons (ALHAT, Jupiter Icy Moons) Asteroid and Comet Rendezvous and Sample Return ISS Rendezvous and Docking (manned & unmanned) Space Situational Awareness Extravehicular Robotic Camera Rock Abundance and Distribution Maps Topographical Mapping Rover Mobility and Navigation NASA Langley Research Center has purchased two of ASC's existing FLVC systems for performing laboratory, field, and airborne test and evaluation of this technology for use on the ALHAT program. A FLC been deployed for EDL helicopter and high altitude fixed wing experiments, and has shown excellent results. ASC is continuing to develop and improve its line of 3D Flash LIDAR systems, one of which successfully flew on the Endeavor (STS-127) for AR&D testing.

This is a mature technology (TRL 8) — 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.