Compact Modular Flash LIDAR

The need for a space qualified Flash LIDAR that can be configured without significant requalification for Sample Capture, EDL and other GN&C activities has become clear, furthermore improvements is SWaP will enable more applications. To meet the need for a cost effective, compact LIDAR for multiple missions, ASC is proposing to leverage the high TRL design of the OSIRIS-REX LIDAR, but redesign the layout of the electronics and mechanical system into a system architecture that it is easily configurable and significantly more compact. The Ultra-Compact Modular Flash LIDAR (UCML) developed under this effort could be retested for environments to maintain a high TRL so that it can be easily adopted by a wide range of missions with minimal requalification. The redesign would also allow for an interchangeable optics module that can be designed with a mission specific Field of View (FOV). The mechanical system would also be designed to interface with multiple laser modules and be significantly lighter and more compact. Currently ASC is producing lasers for space missions from 0.5 mJ to 18 mJ with wavelengths of 1064nm and 1570nm and has demonstrated energies up to 60mJ. The resulting LIDAR could be as small as 5”x5”x6” and could be configured with lasers up to 60mJ with virtually any FOV(F)Vs of 1 to 180 degrees have been demonstrated). The new LIDAR would be more robust and significantly easier to manufacture reducing cost and schedule risks to future NASA programs