Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
Navigational Technology Advances for Lunar and Martian Exploration
In a remarkable demonstration of technological innovation, NASA conducted flight tests with a commercial sensor technology nestled under the wing of an F/A-18 Hornet over California, reaching speeds approaching that of sound. These tests aim to validate the precision of sensor measurements and navigation capabilities under extreme conditions, paving the way for the future landing of robots and astronauts on the Moon and Mars.
The core of this advancement is the Psionic Space Navigation Doppler Lidar (PSNDL) system, which is an evolution of foundational NASA technology that has been licensed and further enhanced by Psionic, Inc., based in Hampton, Virginia. This company has effectively miniaturized the original NASA technology, integrating additional features and robust components to ensure its durability and functionality in the unpredictable environment of space travel. The PSNDL system integrates cameras and an inertial measurement unit, forming a comprehensive navigation toolkit capable of precisely tracking a vehicle’s position and speed for missions aimed at safe landings on extraterrestrial surfaces.
During a series of flight tests in February 2025, the aircraft launched from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Over several days, it executed varied flight patterns, including extensive figure-8 loops and agile maneuvers above Death Valley. These flights were instrumental in gathering vital navigation data across different altitudes, speeds, and orientations, mimicking conditions pertinent for descents onto the lunar surface and entry into Martian atmospheres. Refurbished specifically for these experiments, the F/A-18 pod serves as a cost-effective platform for essential data collection, supporting a broad range of technologies and users.
Doppler Lidar technology is particularly adept at accurately measuring speed, leveraging the frequency shifts of laser light that bounces off surfaces below. This feature is crucial in environments with challenging lighting, such as the long shadows and stark contrasts found at the lunar South Pole. When combined with visual data from onboard cameras, the PSNDL system can compare images with existing surface maps, facilitating precise navigation and target landings on Mars. All collected data feeds into a computer system that enables rapid, real-time decision-making to achieve secure landings.
Since acquiring the license for NDL technology in 2016, Psionic has benefitted from financial backing and developmental assistance from NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, particularly through the Small Business Innovative Research program and the Tipping Point initiative. Additionally, prototypes of the PSNDL have been tested on suborbital vehicles under NASA’s Flight Opportunities program. In 2024, NASA successfully showcased the predecessor NDL system, developed by the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, aboard a commercial lunar lander, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of extraterrestrial navigation technologies.
Source
www.nasa.gov