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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 2)
PERISCOPE is an instrument and mission concept with the goal of investigating and mapping lunar skylights from an orbiting platform using photon time-of-flight imaging. A spacecraft in a very low orbit would direct laser pulses into the lunar skylights, detect light returning to the spacecraft after multiple reflections in the cave, and transmit a summary of those data back to the Earth. A team on the ground would process that data to develop a 3d map of the interior void of the skylight that was at all times beyond the direct line of sight of the spacecraft. In phase I we showed the theoretical feasibility of this mission concept with a variety of simulations and analytical tools. In phase II we intend to bring this concept to a level capable of supporting a full mission proposal. We will perform more detailed trade studies, analyses, and experiments using real world materials as analogous to expected lunar subsurface material as possible.
The proposed phase 2 work will result in a clearly defined mission with a well defined target, spacecraft, and instrument. The instrument concept can be further developed via the PICASSO ROSES call and further concepts involving the instrument can be explored. Selecting this Phase 2 proposal will open a whole new avenue of exploration for the solar system. The processes we will use in the Phase 2 are well known to NASA. JPL's A team and Team x are recognized across NASA as valuable processes to develop mission concepts, and the instrument development plan continues a common process of instrument development at a university in partnership with a NASA center for mission development. Further the mission is likely to be within the Discovery cost cap, and possibly in the Explorer program cost cap.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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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