A number of planned NASA missions will be either enabled or greatly enhanced by an autonomous capability to collect real-time 3D image data for landing and rendezvous, satellite servicing and proximity operations. The missions include future robotic missions to the Moon and Mars that require landing at pre-designated sites of high scientific value, autonomous rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station or other satellites, and comet sample and return missions. A flash lidar system can meet the 3D imaging requirements of all these missions.
There is a significant commercial interest in the high efficiency, compact laser being proposed. The applications include the following: 1.As an upgrade to the Ball Aerospace Vision Navigation Sensor (VNS). 2.As the transmitter for compact rangefinders that are being developed for commercial satellite servicing systems. 3.Laser marker/designator for defense applications.
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