NASA SBIR 2003 Solicitation

SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip, Phone)
Michigan Aerospace Corporation
1777 Highland Dr., Suite B
Ann Arbor ,MI 48108 - 2285
(734) 975 - 8777

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name, E-mail, Mail Address, City/State/Zip, Phone)
Peter   Tchoryk, Jr.
ptchoryk@michiganaerospace.com
1777 Highland Dr., Suite B
Ann Arbor ,MI  48108 -2285
(734) 975 - 8777
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The need for a multi-purpose long-range 3-D sensor to perform spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and inspection has been made abundantly clear by the number of organizations pursuing various solutions to this problem for a multitude of applications. The proposed sensor is uniquely capable of addressing a wide array of needs in civil space, defense and commercial space communities: from autonomous satellite servicing for extending the life of expensive space assets, to performing space situational awareness for defense purposes, to future Moon and Mars vehicle navigation. Our approach offers the singularly attractive characteristics that it does not require any targeting aids on the asset of interest; it can provide long-range rendezvous at potentially tens of kilometers in addition to close-range inspection; and its solid-state design (no moving parts), minimal size, mass and power, make it practical for micro-satellite platforms. The proposed sensor also differs from similar 3-D approaches in that it is based on a commercially available unit that has a clear path to low cost production for commercial applications. While Phase I focused on establishing feasibility, developing a methodology and preliminary algorithms for processing the range data, Phase II will involve the build and test of a prototype, developing a toolbox of algorithms for processing the data, and addressing a path to space qualification. The proposed innovation would provide a significant technological breakthrough and make 3-D sensing practical and affordable for many spacecraft platforms and missions.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 100 WORDS)
The sensor system and algorithm development proposed in this SBIR is unique in that it is capable of meeting both the long-range rendezvous requirement as well as the short-range docking and inspection requirement. The compact size, sensitivity, resolution, pixel acquisition rates, reliability and potentially much lower production cost distinguish Sandia's scannerless version of LADAR from other conventional architectures. Scannerless Flash LADAR (Laser Detection and Ranging) Imaging has all of the desired features for a robust spacecraft rendezvous, docking and inspection sensor. This sensor technology and the algorithm development proposed here should fulfill the requirements for cooperative as well as non-cooperative rendezvous, docking and inspection.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 100 WORDS)
In addition, the related military and civilian applications are extensive. Applications exist in face recognition for Homeland Security, tactical target recognition from aircraft, underwater mine detection, and industrial inspection. As with many advanced technologies, the space and military application will build the technology foundation for commercial/consumer applications. In the future, 3-D imaging could reach a price point where it could compete with CCD cameras in consumer markets that have so far been dominated by 2-D pictures, from industrial inspection to home entertainment.