← Back to NASA Technology Projects

Micro Video Guidance Sensor: Versatile Relative Position Sensor for In-space and Surface Applications

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 6)

Description

The Micro Video Guidance Sensor (uVGS) is camera-based sensor that produces the relative pose (position and orientation) between a camera and a known target configuration. This is the space-qualifiable, next generation evolution of the Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor (SVGS), Advanced Video Guidance Sensor (AVGS), and Video Guidance Sensor (VGS) family.

Benefits

µVGS is versatile with applicability to Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD); Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL); and surface navigation. It is a low mass, low power sensor with a small form factor, enabling small and resource constrained missions to perform complex operations, like RPOD and EDL.

Details

Technology areaEntry, Descent, and Landing > Flight Mechanics and GN&C for Entry, Descent, and Safe Precise Landing
ProgramCenter Independent Research & Development: MSFC IRAD (MSFC IRAD)
Lead organizationMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL
Start date2019-09-01
End date2023-10-31

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.