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Completed TRL 9 (started at 9, targeting 9)
The G-LiHT system is comprised of commercial off the shelf components co-aligned along a uniform optical axis and assembled into a rigid and compact enclosure. G-LiHT components are aligned and rigidly mounted in a compact volume of < 0.1 m3 including centralized processing and data storage with a total system weight of 37 kg. The system is weather resistant and can be mounted either internally to the aircraft over an appropriately sized view port or externally using a custom fabricated pod. Total power consumption is 220 W with a wide input voltage range from 9 to 36 V DC. Nominal flight altitude for G-LiHT is 335 m AGL with a 60 degree FOV yielding a 387 m swath.
G-LiHT, is a unique system that permits simultaneous measurements of vegetation structure, foliar spectra and surface temperatures. The complementary nature lidar, optical, and thermal data provide an analytical framework for the development of new algorithms for mapping plant species composition, plant functional types, biodiversity, biomass and carbon stocks, and plant growth. This will enhance our ability to design new missions and produce data products related to biodiversity and climate change.
G-LiHT is designed to give scientists access to the data that is needed to understand the relationship between ecosystem form and function and stimulate the advancement of synergistic algorithms.
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This is a mature technology (TRL 9) — 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.
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