PSNDL Component Qualification for Class A Missions

Psionic delivers the Psionic Space Navigational Doppler Radar (PSNDL) designed for Class C missions. The PSNDL’s technology acts as a sensor for Entry, Decent and Landing (EDL) for onboard guidance systems to increase situational awareness, reduce landing dispersions and increase safer touchdowns. Psionic’s addresses the risks associated with PSNDL parts design and obsolescence, qualification, testing and reliability for a mission-critical Class A mission. This work results in a higher TRL sensor (6 to 7) suite to allow for direct infusion into missions such as the Mars Sample Return Lander (SRL) and lunar Human Landing System. The proposed objectives and tasking support four technical initiatives. 1. Software Qualification Approach: Psionic develops and implements a structured software qualification approach which improves internal processes and demonstrates a commitment to high-quality software development, focused on Class A/B qualification. 2. Hardware High Reliability Qualification: The current PIC Fault Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is developed. Psionic reviews components in accordance with EEE-INST-002, performs gap analysis, derating and develops a Class A Bill of Material. Modules are upgraded based upon the FMEA and EEE-INST-002 analysis and prototyped for radiation and environmentally qualification. 3. Photonics Integrated Circuit (PIC) Qualification: Psionic collaborates with the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab to determine requirements to qualify the PIC. Psionic performs radiation and environment qualification, analyzes results and provides risk reduction actions such as improved packaging, increased radiation tolerance and better vibration isolation. 4. Documentation: Data and documentation are reviewed for accuracy and delivered. The target market is safe and accurate EDL. The initial infusion case is the Mars SRL which requires accurate measurements of range and velocity for safe and precision landing and subsequent missions include Artemis.