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T0354-S

MoonFALL

PI: Zachary Gaines, Michael Pham (Co-I), Cal Poly Pomona Bronco Space Club

The MoonFALL: Moon Fast and Accurate Lidar Localization demonstration will assess a technology designed to advance terrain-relative navigation. Smaller, lightweight hazard detection systems for landing on the Moon are necessary for further exploration of scientifically interesting and resource-rich areas. MoonFALL uses a fusion of new sensor technologies with artificial intelligence and edge computing to create real-time maps that fill the gaps in traditional terrain mapping and facilitate safe descents into shadowed, unexplored regions. It leverages structured light superimposed over a potential landing area in combination with advanced image processing and lidar.

Technology Areas (?)
  • NA
Problem Statement

Low lighting and steep topography create ice-bearing regions on the Moon, creating difficult environments for landing in these scientifically interesting regions.
The MoonFALL technology could enable landings in shadowed and dark regions without the need for any previous knowledge of the target landing site. The technology is significantly smaller and lighter than existing systems while still providing high-resolution accuracy. The system leverages the advantages of low light conditions to create real-time maps that allow for future exploration of challenging lunar terrain. The combination of a reflective grid map and light detection and ranging (lidar) advances traditional terrain mapping technologies to allow for safe descents in particularly hazardous terrain.

Technology Maturation

Flight tests are expected to provide the relevant environment in which to validate a technology that is traditionally difficult to verify. During a nighttime suborbital test flight that simulates a lunar descent, the researchers expect to generate a three-dimensional map of a lunar surface test field in real-time from an altitude of at least 250 meters. Data generated by the flight tests are expected to allow the researchers to further refine the technology and move closer to its application.

Future Customers

• NASA or commercial space exploration missions
• Commercial lunar service providers
• Landing systems required to operate in dark environments

Technology Details

  • Selection Date
    TechLeap22
  • Program Status
    Active
  • Current TRL (?)
    Unknown
    Successful FOP Flights
  • 0 sRLV

Development Team

  • PI
    Zachary Gaines
  • PI Organization
    Cal Poly Pomona Bronco Space Club
  • Co-I
    Michael Pham
  • Co-I Organization
    Cal Poly Pomona Bronco Space Club
  • Sponsor

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