Session
Swifty Session 2
Abstract
This paper discusses progress Fibertek is making toward development of next-generation remote sensing lidar technology for cube, micro, and small satellite (smallsat) platforms. Our general finding is that small, relatively inexpensive cube/micro/small satellite lidars are feasible and that numerous applications are possible.
Lidar is not traditionally thought of as being suitable for cube and smallsat applications because of the cost, complexity, mass, and power typically associated with ground- and space-based earth and planetary lidars. This paper describes our performance modeling and concept lidar designs that are 2-4U in size, 2-3 kg, draw 10-25 W, and are capable of science and satellite proximity operations.
This paper will discuss lidar concepts for multiple applications. Short-range proximity lidars are capable of 50-degree field of view (FOV), scanning angle up to 500 m and can support three-dimensional (3D) imaging for satellite rendezvous operations and comet/asteroid sample capture missions. Long-range cubesat lidar configurations can support up to 1,000 km range and can be used for planetary body topology mapping and altimetry. Lidars with multi-wavelength capability can measure surface properties of solid ices found in outer planets and moons and can tell the difference between liquid and solid phase. Cubesat atmospheric lidars can measure aerosol backscatter intensities and characterize cloud layer structures, for example, as seen around Pluto, Charon, and Enceladus. Lidar measurements of atmospheric gas including water, carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane are also possible in small form factors.
Cubesat Lidar Concepts for Ranging, Topology, Sample Capture, Surface, and Atmospheric Science
This paper discusses progress Fibertek is making toward development of next-generation remote sensing lidar technology for cube, micro, and small satellite (smallsat) platforms. Our general finding is that small, relatively inexpensive cube/micro/small satellite lidars are feasible and that numerous applications are possible.
Lidar is not traditionally thought of as being suitable for cube and smallsat applications because of the cost, complexity, mass, and power typically associated with ground- and space-based earth and planetary lidars. This paper describes our performance modeling and concept lidar designs that are 2-4U in size, 2-3 kg, draw 10-25 W, and are capable of science and satellite proximity operations.
This paper will discuss lidar concepts for multiple applications. Short-range proximity lidars are capable of 50-degree field of view (FOV), scanning angle up to 500 m and can support three-dimensional (3D) imaging for satellite rendezvous operations and comet/asteroid sample capture missions. Long-range cubesat lidar configurations can support up to 1,000 km range and can be used for planetary body topology mapping and altimetry. Lidars with multi-wavelength capability can measure surface properties of solid ices found in outer planets and moons and can tell the difference between liquid and solid phase. Cubesat atmospheric lidars can measure aerosol backscatter intensities and characterize cloud layer structures, for example, as seen around Pluto, Charon, and Enceladus. Lidar measurements of atmospheric gas including water, carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane are also possible in small form factors.
