A report describes the Laser Mapper (LAMP) — a lightweight, compact, low-power lidar system under development for guidance of a spacecraft or exploratory robotic vehicle (rover) at Mars or another planet. The LAMP is intended especially for use during rendezvous of two spacecraft in orbit, for mapping terrain during descent and landing of a spacecraft, for capturing a sample that has been launched into orbit, or navigation and avoidance of obstacles by a rover traversing terrain. The LAMP includes a laser that emits high-power, short light pulses. The laser beam is aimed in azimuth and elevation by use of a mirror on a two-axis gimbal, which scans the beam across a field of regard. Light reflected by a target is collected by a telescope, and the distance to the target is determined by measuring the round-trip travel time for reflected light pulses. The distance information is combined with directional information to construct a three-dimensional map of targets in the field of regard.
This work was done by Carl Christian Liebe, Robert Bunker, Sohrab Mobasser, Curtis Padgett, Jacob Chapsky, Gary Spiers, Randall Bartman, Michael Newell, Alexander Abramovici, Hemad Hemmati, Alejandro San Martin, Chengchih Chu, William Roberts, Malcolm Wright, James W. Dillon, Daniel S. Clouse, David M. Tratt, Zachary G. Warfield, Robert Calvet, and Robert W. Hausmann of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Electronics/ Computers category.
NPO-30887
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Lidar of Guidance of a Spacecraft or Exploratory Robot
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Overview
The document presents a technical overview of the Laser Mapper (LAMP), a lightweight and compact lidar system developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for guiding spacecraft and exploratory robotic vehicles, particularly for missions to Mars and other planetary bodies. LAMP is designed to enhance navigation and mapping capabilities during critical phases of space missions, including rendezvous with other spacecraft, terrain mapping during descent and landing, and obstacle avoidance for rovers traversing planetary surfaces.
LAMP operates by emitting high-power, short light pulses from a laser. The laser beam is directed using a mirror mounted on a two-axis gimbal, allowing it to scan a wide field of regard. When the laser light hits a target, it reflects back to the system, where a telescope collects the reflected light. The distance to the target is calculated by measuring the round-trip travel time of the light pulses. This distance information, combined with directional data, enables the construction of detailed three-dimensional maps of the surrounding environment.
The document highlights several key applications for LAMP, including its use as a terminal sensor for spacecraft rendezvous in Earth orbit, with plans for a flight demonstration of this capability in the near future. The technology is expected to facilitate new mission scenarios and improve the safety and efficiency of space exploration.
The development of LAMP involved a collaborative effort from a team of researchers and engineers at JPL, including notable contributors such as Carl Christian Liebe, Robert Bunker, and Sohrab Mobasser, among others. The work is part of a broader initiative to advance lidar technology for space applications, emphasizing the importance of low mass and low power consumption in the design of spaceborne systems.
Overall, the document underscores the innovative nature of LAMP and its potential to significantly enhance the capabilities of future space missions, making it a vital tool for exploration and navigation in extraterrestrial environments. The report is part of NASA's ongoing commitment to developing advanced technologies that support scientific discovery and exploration beyond Earth.
