Utilization of flash ladar for cooperative and uncooperative rendezvous and capture

Robert D. Habbit Jr.; Robert O. Nellums; Aaron D. Niese; Jose L. Rodriguez

doi:10.1117/12.512864

5 August 2003 Utilization of flash ladar for cooperative and uncooperative rendezvous and capture

Robert D. Habbit Jr., Robert O. Nellums, Aaron D. Niese, Jose L. Rodriguez

Proceedings Volume 5088, Space Systems Technology and Operations; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.512864
Event: AeroSense 2003, 2003, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

An ideal Rendezvous and Capture (R&C) sensor on a seeker Space Vehicle (SV) would provide accurate relative 6 degree of freedom data for the Guidance Navigation and Control System (GNCS) from far and near, operate autonomously, and provide multifunctional capability. Flash LADAR has the potential to fulfill these requirements. Sandia has developed Scannerless Range Imaging (SRI) LADAR sensors for a multitude of applications. One of the sensors, LDRI, flew onboard the STS97 mission to install the P6 truss and solar panels on the International Space Station. When compared to scanning LADAR, Scannerless LADAR is smaller, lighter, not mechanically complex, and has a much faster image acquisition time. Recently Sandia has demonstrated Flash Scannerless Range Imaging. Flash LADAR enables the capture of a full scene 3-D range image in one acquisition, thus, enabling freeze motion. The technology’s proven ability to accurately image an object as well as capture the image on the move has the potential to provide very accurate static and dynamic position data for the target vehicle relative to the seeker SV. Since no specific requirements are imposed on the target vehicle, the sensor will work equally well on cooperative and uncooperative target vehicles. This sensor technology can also provide docking feature inspection data and perform a detailed inspection of the target vehicle. This paper will describe the applicability of a Flash LADAR sensor for on-orbit cooperative and uncooperative rendezvous and capture.

Citation Download Citation

Robert D. Habbit Jr., Robert O. Nellums, Aaron D. Niese, and Jose L. Rodriguez "Utilization of flash ladar for cooperative and uncooperative rendezvous and capture", Proc. SPIE 5088, Space Systems Technology and Operations, (5 August 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.512864

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