Multi-Frequency AMCW LiDAR Imager for Next-Gen Planetary Exploration

As NASA expands lunar exploration under Artemis, autonomous mobility is crucial for crewed and uncrewed missions. However, current sensing technologies, including LiDAR, are designed for terrestrial use and lack adaptations for the Moon’s extreme conditions—radiation, dust, temperature fluctuations, and variable lighting—hindering safe rover navigation. To address this, we propose an Amplitude Modulated Continuous Wave (AMCW) high-frame-rate LiDAR system optimized for lunar operations. AMCW LiDAR offers high-speed, high-precision depth sensing in a compact, power-efficient design essential for surface exploration. Utilizing a four-bucket phase measurement technique and dual-frequency modulation, our system extends unambiguous range and maximizes signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), ensuring reliable performance in harsh lunar conditions. This innovation enhances mobility, hazard detection, and rover lifespan, supporting NASA’s long-term exploration goals. Beyond rover navigation, AMCW LiDAR supports hazard detection and terrain assessment for lunar landers, enabling real-time, high-resolution 3D mapping for safe landings. It also aids infrastructure development and resource exploration for sustained lunar habitation, facilitating habitat placement, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and construction planning. Additionally, NASA’s deep-space robotic missions—including Mars rovers and asteroid exploration—would benefit from AMCW LiDAR’s low-power, high-SNR capabilities. Its ability to function in GPS-denied, extreme environments with minimal computational demands makes it a key enabler for future planetary exploration. By advancing LiDAR technology to meet these needs, we provide NASA with a next-generation sensing solution that enhances exploration, safety, and operational efficiency across multiple mission profiles.