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Linear FMCW Laser Radar for Precision Range and Vector Velocity Measurements

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Diego Pierrottet
Affiliation:
diego.f.pierrottet@nasa.gov, Coherent Applications, Inc., CAI, 101-C Research Dr, Hampton, VA, 23669, United States, 7578503508
Farzin Amzajerdian
Affiliation:
f.amzajerdian@nasa.gov, NASA Langley Research Center, MS 468, Hampton, VA, 23681, United States
Larry Petway
Affiliation:
lpetway@nasa.gov, NASA Langley Research Center, MS 468, Hampton, VA, 23681, United States
Bruce Barnes
Affiliation:
bbarnes@nasa.gov, NASA Langley Research Center, MS 468, Hampton, VA, 23681, United States
George Lockard
Affiliation:
glockard@nasa.gov, NASA Langley Research Center, MS 468, Hampton, VA, 23681, United States
Manuel Rubio
Affiliation:
mrubio@nasa.gov, NASA Langley Research Center, MS 468, Hampton, VA, 23681, United States
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Abstract

An all fiber linear frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) coherent laser radar system is under development with a goal to aide NASA's new Space Exploration initiative for manned and robotic missions to the Moon and Mars. Linear FMCW lidar has the capability of high resolution range measurements, and when configured into a multi-channel receiver system it has the capability of obtaining high precision vector velocity measurements. Precision range and vector velocity data are beneficial to navigating planetary landing pods to the pre-selected site and achieving autonomous, safe soft-landing. This paper discusses the design of a second generation prototype system under development at NASA Langley Research Center and presents preliminary performance data obtained from field experiments.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2008

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References

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