Laser range and bearing finder for autonomous missions

Stephen R. Granade

doi:10.1117/12.603550

19 May 2005 Laser range and bearing finder for autonomous missions

Stephen R. Granade

Proceedings Volume 5798, Spaceborne Sensors II; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.603550
Event: Defense and Security, 2005, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

NASA has recently re-confirmed their interest in autonomous systems as an enabling technology for future missions. In order for autonomous missions to be possible, highly-capable relative sensor systems are needed to determine an object’s distance, direction, and orientation. This is true whether the mission is autonomous in-space assembly, rendezvous and docking, or rover surface navigation. Advanced Optical Systems, Inc. has developed a wide-angle laser range and bearing finder (RBF) for autonomous space missions. The laser RBF has a number of features that make it well-suited for autonomous missions. It has an operating range of 10 m to 5 km, with a 5° field of view. Its wide field of view removes the need for scanning systems such as gimbals, eliminating moving parts and making the sensor simpler and space qualification easier. Its range accuracy is 1% or better; its bearing accuracy, 0.1°. It is designed to operate either as a stand-alone sensor or in tandem with a sensor that returns range, bearing, and orientation at close ranges, such as NASA’s Advanced Video Guidance Sensor. We have assembled the initial prototype and are currently testing it. We will discuss the laser RBF’s design and specifications.

Citation Download Citation

Stephen R. Granade "Laser range and bearing finder for autonomous missions", Proc. SPIE 5798, Spaceborne Sensors II, (19 May 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.603550

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