{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":5564,"title":"Optical Landing Hazard Sensor, Phase I","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10774,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10770,"level":3,"code":"TX09.4.4","title":"Atmosphere and Surface Characterization","definition":"Atmosphere and surface characterization includes modeling of atmospheric and surface conditions with sufficient engineering fidelity to ensure robust atmospheric transit in the presence of uncertainties as well as precision landing and appropriate hazard avoidance.","exampleTechnologies":"Descent sensors to detect the surface and determine altitude and velocity, automated systems to convert orbital data to onboard maps, advanced sensors for real-time three dimensional (3D) terrain mapping, advanced sensors for terrain imaging and surface and subsurface characterization","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"description":"Visidyne proposes to investigate an active optical 3D imaging LADAR as the sensor for an automated Landing Hazard Avoidance system for spacecraft landing on the Moon or Mars. Specifically, the LADAR utilizes low cost and electrically efficient laser diode illumination and a unique focal plane array detector concept that may be implemented in CCD or CMOS technology to provide high resolution, wide-field images of terrain relief at high frame rates. High slopes, boulders or other obstructions at the landing site present a significant risk to the safe arrival of robotic supply craft or crewed vehicles. This sensor will provide range images for extraction of topographical information required for the landing guidance system to manage vehicle descent to avoid dangerous locations within the landing zone. Approach rate to the surface (range rate) will also be supplied to the landing guidance system. Phase I will demonstrate the capabilities of the system through modeling and analysis and result in a design for a prototype sensor that may be realized under a Phase II.","startYear":2005,"startMonth":1,"endYear":2005,"endMonth":7,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":75603,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Christian","lastName":"Trowbridge","fullName":"Christian Trowbridge","fullNameInverted":"Trowbridge, Christian","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programDirectors":[{"contactId":206378,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jason","lastName":"Kessler","fullName":"Jason L Kessler","fullNameInverted":"Kessler, Jason L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jason.l.kessler@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programExecutives":[{"contactId":215154,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jennifer","lastName":"Gustetic","fullName":"Jennifer L Gustetic","fullNameInverted":"Gustetic, Jennifer L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jennifer.l.gustetic@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programManagers":[{"contactId":62051,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Carlos","lastName":"Torrez","fullName":"Carlos Torrez","fullNameInverted":"Torrez, Carlos","primaryEmail":"carlos.torrez@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"website":"","libraryItems":[],"transitions":[],"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"
The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
","programId":73,"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"responsibleMdId":4875,"stockImageFileId":36648,"title":"Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer"},"leadOrganization":{"acronym":"LaRC","canUserEdit":false,"city":"Hampton","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4852,"organizationName":"Langley Research Center","organizationType":"NASA_Center","stateTerritory":{"abbreviation":"VA","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Virginia","stateTerritoryId":7},"stateTerritoryId":7,"naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Center"},"supportingOrganizations":[{"canUserEdit":false,"city":"Burlington","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"external":true,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":3944,"organizationName":"Visidyne, Inc.","organizationType":"Industry","stateTerritory":{"abbreviation":"MA","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Massachusetts","stateTerritoryId":30},"stateTerritoryId":30,"naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"Industry"}],"statesWithWork":[{"abbreviation":"MA","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Massachusetts","stateTerritoryId":30},{"abbreviation":"VA","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Virginia","stateTerritoryId":7}],"lastUpdated":"2018-10-10","releaseStatusString":"Released","viewCount":350,"endDateString":"Jul 2005","startDateString":"Jan 2005"}}