Navigation Doppler LiDAR integrated with Griffin-1
- NASA's Navigation Doppler LiDAR has been integrated with Griffin-1 for the lander's upcoming lunar south pole flight.
- NDL uses laser pulses and Doppler measurements to track speed, altitude, and velocity relative to the surface during descent.
- The sensor integrates with terrain relative navigation and hazard detection in Griffin-1's descent perception system.
- NASA investment enabled the Langley-developed NDL to transition to a commercial product.
What happened
Navigation Doppler LiDAR, or NDL, has been integrated with Griffin-1. The sensor is a key part of the lander's descent perception. Griffin-1 has an upcoming flight.
What we know
NDL is a key part of Griffin-1 descent perception. Griffin-1 is aimed at the lunar south pole, and its payload includes terrain relative navigation and hazard detection.
NASA's Langley Research Center developed NDL, and NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) nurtured it.
During descent, the sensor relies on laser pulses and Doppler measurements to monitor motion relative to the surface. It continuously tracks speed and altitude, and it provides the flight computer with the lander's velocity relative to the surface and direction.
NDL is described as small, lightweight and efficient, and it integrates with terrain relative navigation and hazard detection.
Griffin-1 integration was tested under realistic conditions. NASA investment enabled NDL's transition to a commercial product.
Why it matters
For readers tracking the lunar industry, the key point is that a NASA-developed sensor is now integrated with Griffin-1 for an upcoming flight to the lunar south pole. It is a key part of descent perception, works with terrain relative navigation and hazard detection, and its transition to a commercial product was enabled by NASA investment.
What's next
Griffin-1 has an upcoming flight.
Sources
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