Intelligent Landing System (ILS)

Develop Intelligent Landing System (ILS) (Terrain Relative Navigation and Hazard Detection) that enables safe landing of the Europa Lander Mission: TRN enables landing near science sites identified from orbit (50m accuracy), TRN Enables avoidance of large known hazards (e.g., cliffs), Real-time onboard Hazard Detection Sensor is critical for identifying a safe landing site that is compatible to the lander. Allows potential final divert to landing site

NASA Funded: This technology is required by the current Europa Lander baseline mission. The benefits of the technology include ~50 m landing precision and integrated hazard avoidance. These technology allow a lander to autonomously land on Europa with an extreme and uncertain terrain. NASA unfunded: This technology will benefit future mission to the Ocean Worlds as it is the next step in autonomous landing systems for deep space application in extreme and uncertain topography and environments. OGA: The improved Lidar sensors may be beneficial to terrestrial defense and civil aviation. Commercial: The improved Lidar sensors may be beneficial to rendezvous and docking operations of commercial space industries that require reduced SWaP. Nation: Enables scientific discovery on the surface of Europa with high potential to impact other future missions to planetary bodies, in particular Ocean Worlds.

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.

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.