Utilization of 3D imaging flash lidar technology for autonomous safe landing on planetary bodies

Farzin Amzajerdian; Michael Vanek; Larry Petway; Diego Pierrottet; George Busch; Alexander Bulyshev

doi:10.1117/12.843324

22 January 2010 Utilization of 3D imaging flash lidar technology for autonomous safe landing on planetary bodies

Farzin Amzajerdian, Michael Vanek, Larry Petway, Diego Pierrottet, George Busch, Alexander Bulyshev

Proceedings Volume 7608, Quantum Sensing and Nanophotonic Devices VII; 760828 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.843324
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2010, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

NASA considers Flash Lidar a critical technology for enabling autonomous safe landing of future large robotic and crewed vehicles on the surface of the Moon and Mars. Flash Lidar can generate 3-Dimensional images of the terrain to identify hazardous features such as craters, rocks, and steep slopes during the final stages of descent and landing. The onboard flight comptuer can use the 3-D map of terain to guide the vehicle to a safe site. The capabilities of Flash Lidar technology were evaluated through a series of static tests using a calibrated target and through dynamic tests aboard a helicopter and a fixed wing airctarft. The aircraft flight tests were perfomed over Moonlike terrain in the California and Nevada deserts. This paper briefly describes the Flash Lidar static and aircraft flight test results. These test results are analyzed against the landing application requirements to identify the areas of technology improvement. The ongoing technology advancement activities are then explained and their goals are described.

Citation Download Citation

Farzin Amzajerdian, Michael Vanek, Larry Petway, Diego Pierrottet, George Busch, and Alexander Bulyshev "Utilization of 3D imaging flash lidar technology for autonomous safe landing on planetary bodies", Proc. SPIE 7608, Quantum Sensing and Nanophotonic Devices VII, 760828 (22 January 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.843324

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