Sensor Concept Development For Hazard Detection

D. F. Hotz; D. A. Swanson; D. G. Peterson

doi:10.1117/12.962487

1 February 1990 Sensor Concept Development For Hazard Detection

D. F. Hotz, D. A. Swanson, D. G. Peterson

Proceedings Volume 1156, Airborne Reconnaissance XIII; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.962487
Event: 33rd Annual Technical Symposium, 1989, San Diego, United States

Abstract

Autonomous lunar and planetary landers require a sensor for real time hazard detection during the terminal descent phase when landing in rough, hazardous terrain. The sensor must establish surface feature data from which on-board data processors can identify safe touchdown spots and provide guidance commands for the descent engines. The sensor should increase the probability of safe touchdown(no landing failure) from the less than 90% estimated for the Mars Viking mission to the current NASA planning requirement of ..98% for the Mars Rover Sample Return mission. The sensor must also satisfy mass, volume and power constraints imposed by the limited lander resources. We analyzed the sensor performance required, assuming the desired surface feature data is a range versus angle map of the accessible landing zone. Existing active and passive sensor technologies were evaluated for the estimated requirements of spatial resolution(lm at 2 km), working slant range(2 km), range precision(0.25m) and frame rates ?_ 1Hz. Pixel mapping rate was identified as the critical sensor parameter because of limited descent time and lander power. We have developed a concept of an active scanned laser radar and scan algorithm for a hazard sensor that meets the requirements using available technology. The sensor concept and supporting system analysis and trades will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

D. F. Hotz, D. A. Swanson, and D. G. Peterson "Sensor Concept Development For Hazard Detection", Proc. SPIE 1156, Airborne Reconnaissance XIII, (1 February 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.962487

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available