LEIA: The Landing LIDAR for ESA-Roscosmos' LunaResurs Mission

Paper number

IAC-17,A3,2B,6,x38290

Author

Dr. Miranda Bradshaw, Neptec UK, United Kingdom

Year

2017

Abstract

LunaResurs is a joint ESA--Roscosmos mission to land at the lunar south pole to search for minerals and water.  Neptec UK is providing the landing sensor for this mission, a LIDAR instrument that enables the lander to avoid uneven terrain.  Named LEIA -- the LIDAR for Extra-terrestrial Imaging Applications -- this instrument will provide 3D mapping of the lunar surface during landing.  Two maps will be produced: one from an altitude of 1.3\,km and one from 250\,m, with resolutions of 1.0\,m and 0.1\,m respectively.

Neptec UK is currently building the development model of LEIA in collaboration with the University of Surrey.  This model will represent the performance of the flight hardware, and will therefore be tested at its full operating range.  This presents an exciting on-ground challenge, due to the difficulties of ensuring performance at such a long range.  Due to launch in 2021, LunaResurs will be the first mission to apply many of the components of the LIDAR in space or on the lunar surface.  Subject to a rigorous test campaign, this mission will pave the way for more extensive applications of LIDAR and related technologies in future space missions.

The paper and presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of LEIA and its role within the LunaResurs mission. The technical designs, calibration and test plans, and preliminary performance results will also be covered.

Abstract document

IAC-17,A3,2B,6,x38290.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-17,A3,2B,6,x38290.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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