RVS® 3000-X LIDAR – Pose Estimation – Test Result vs Landsat7 Mockup

The RVS® 3000-X from Jena-Optronik GmbH combines a high resolution scanning LIDAR with robust image processing algorithms for autonomous rendezvous and docking. The generic LIDAR design combines all the heritage and lessons learned from RVS® 3000, which has reached TRL9 during its maiden flight to the International Space Station in 2019 on Cygnus NG-11 as well as from RVS® 3000-3D, which enabled the first servicing of GEO satellites in frame of Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) 1 in 2020 and MEV-2 in 2021 using model-based pose estimation.

So far, experience with concept of operations development for RVS® 3000-X has been gained for various Artemis docking targets, uncooperative satellites in debris removal missions and sample-return missions such as Mars Sample Return. Last but not least, concepts of operation for lunar landing missions are under consideration.

It is state of the art that early concept of operations development is accompanied by test campaigns, which consolidate the performance and generate trust in the combination of the navigation sensor and the use case. Here we present test results of the RVS® 3000-X LIDAR system against a Landsat7 mockup. Thereby, we evaluate the RVS® 3000-X LIDAR system performance at key pillars of the envisioned concept of operation of the mission.