Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Flash3D EDL Sensor Technology Advancement, Phase II
Project Introduction
3D Flash LIDAR is ideal for determining real-time spacecraft trajectory, speed, orientation, and range to the planet surface, as well as evaluating potential hazards at the landing site. The "framing camera" nature, of 3D Flash LIDAR systems, makes them well suited as hazard avoidance sensors for EDL. The Phase II effort seeks to improve the range precision of the existing TigerEyeTM 3D Flash LIDAR system, and do so over a much wider signal dynamic range. A range capability of 1- 10,000 meter is feasible. This effort will demonstrate the capability by producing an advanced sensor module incorporating newer detectors and other system advancements. This advanced sensor module will be installed on NASA JPL's 3D Flash LIDAR TigerEyeTM camera system. Advanced Scientific Concepts Inc. (ASC) is a small business, which has developed a number of 3D flash LADAR systems. Flash Ladar sensors are 3D video systems that return range and intensity information for each pixel in real time, and is functionally equivalent to 16000 range finders on one chip. The TigerEyeTM is 1.2kg, 20 Watts, and 10 cm on a side.
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Anticipated Benefits
ASC is pursuing many non-NASA applications including: Automotive collision avoidance, helicopter landing in brown out conditions, mid-air refueling, surveillance, terrain mapping, autonomous navigation for UGVs, USVs and UAVs, smart intersection, ladar brakes, robotics, machine vision, hazard material detection and handling, underwater 3d imaging, sub nanosecond dynamic imaging, 3d sports imaging and data transmission, consumer electronics. This sensor will increase the success of NASA operations such as: • Mars Landed Exploration • Exploration of Moons (ALHAT, Jupiter Icy Moons) • Asteroid and Comet Rendezvous and Sample Return • ISS Rendezvous and Docking • Space Situational Awareness • Rock Abundance and Distribution Maps • Topographical Mapping • Rover Mobility and Navigation NASA Langley Research Center has procured and flown two of ASC's existing FLVC systems for evaluation of this technology for use on the ALHAT program. NASA JPL is evaluating the systems for use in Planetary EDL applications. SpaceX Corporation has flown an ASC system on TS-127, and is preparing a DragonEye for use on a SpaceX launch.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc. | Lead Organization | Industry | Goleta, California |
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(JPL)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Pasadena, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Mar 2010
End: Dec 2011
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 6 |
| Current: | 7 |
| Estimated End: | 7 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX05 Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems
- TX05.4 Network Provided Position, Navigation, and Timing
- TX05.4.2 Revolutionary Position, Navigation, and Timing Technologies
Target Destinations
Earth, Others Inside the Solar System
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