Development of a Terrain Sensing Lidar for Precision Navigation and Safe Landing of Space Vehicles

A linear-mode flash lidar sensor employing a resolution enhancement algorithm is being developed at NASA Langley Research Center for enabling precision and safe landing on the Moon, Mars, and other destinations in the solar system. This lidar, referred to Terrain Sensing Lidar (TSL), is a multi-mode sensor capable of hazard detection and avoidance, terrain relative navigation, and long-distance altimetry. The TSL offers a solution for future missions that require landing at pre-designated sites near high value resources or at areas of high scientific value, while avoiding hazardous terrain features, such as escarpments, craters, slopes, and rocks, or pre-deployed assets. TSL can also benefit terrestrial applications such as autonomous aerial vehicles without reliance on signals from Global Positioning System (GPS).

The viability of the TSL for terrain hazard detection and avoidance has already been demonstrated by conducting drone and helicopter flight tests. An upgraded version of this lidar has been recently assembled for additional aircraft flight tests and demonstrating its multi-mode capability.