Speed Sensor for Planetary EDL: "SPRY", Phase I

The goal of this Phase I and Phase II efforts is to develop a micro atmospheric data sensor suitable for planetary entry, descent, and landing (EDL) maneuvers, in response to NASA's S4.01 Planetary Entry Descent and Landing. Michigan Aerospace Corporation (MAC) is proposing to develop a compact, rugged optical atmospheric data sensor capable of measuring free stream velocity during EDL; this sensor will use a novel microresonator approach as part of its light processing path, allowing unprecedented compactness and ruggedness. Phase I will entail the design and preliminary demonstration of the concept. A prototype atmospheric data sensor will be fabricated in Phase II and tested using a calibrated flow field. More »