Compact Lidar Spectrometer for Mars, Lunar Science and ISRU Prospecting

Fibertek proposes to develop a rover-based Compact Lidar Spectrometer (CLS) to facilitate the long-range detection of water ice, other surface volatile species, and minerals within the 1.5 µm to 4 µm wavelength band. The CLS uniquely combines traditional three-dimensional (3D) lidar terrain mapping with standoff spectral mapping capabilities. The CLS can operate with high SNR without sunlight and in Permanently shadowed Regions (PSRs) of Mars, the moon, and other planetary bodies. This system is engineered to deliver both spectral and range data from approximately 10 meters to 5,000 meters. A Mars or lunar vehicle equipped with the CLS can efficiently survey large areas and precisely locate water ice, minerals, and other volatiles of interest. This capability enables the rover to strategically navigate to high-potential areas, minimizing risk while providing lidar terrain mapping. Once an area of interest is identified, the rover can move to the location, allowing the deployment of other scientific or in situ resource utilization (ISRU) instruments.