Goddard's Reconfigurable Laser Ranger (GRLR)
optics
Goddard's Reconfigurable Laser Ranger (GRLR) (GSC-TOPS-206)
Utilizes high performance computing and systems level integration to push state-of-the-art laser ranging technology.
Overview
High orbit satellite servicing and planetary science missions are susceptible to effects from harsh radiation environments and long mission lives. The need for long measurement ranges and accuracy presents a unique set of requirements for relative navigation using LRFs. While other potential solutions exist, high costs and schedule risks of reliability/performance make them unfeasible. This NASA technology alleviates those problems.
The Technology
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has developed a low cost, modular, and flexible space flight laser range finder consisting of optics, electronics, and interfaces for satellite servicing missions (i.e. Restore-L) using customized optics. Built upon previous NASA technologies, the system also consists of a high dynamic range receiver and adjustable laser for a wide range of measurements (i.e. multiples of km to sub-meter).
Benefits
- Reconfigurable and modular
- Easily integrated with new detectors, lasers, processing technology, and software algorithms
- Longer range capability
- Interference resistant and low range noise
- High resolution
Applications
- Satellite servicing
- Commercial space flight
- Laser ranging
Technology Details
optics
GSC-TOPS-206
GSC-17889-1
