Rendezvous and Docking Sensors
TriDAR
Neptec’s TriDAR was specifically designed for non-cooperative missions such as satellite servicing which require high levels of autonomy. The sensor hardware and algorithms were designed to provide maximum operational flexibility for such missions. This allows the sensor to be adapted to rendezvous and dock to different targets and approach profiles even after launch. The technology has been demonstrated in many laboratories around the world and tested on three Space Shuttle missions. It now serves as a primary rendezvous and docking sensor for the Cygnus spacecraft for cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS). TriDAR is offered with an optional thermal imager to provide extended range tracking and short range guidance. Multiple hardware configurations of the sensor are possible in order to support different mission types, two such variants are featured below.
Image credit NASA
Image credit NASA
TriDAR – CYGNUS
Neptec developed the Cygnus TriDAR from its TriDAR DTO sensor. Cygnus TriDAR has flown a number of operational resupply missions to the International Space Station as a manifest item on Orbital ATK’s Cygnus Cargo Resupply spacecraft. The ability to autonomously perform acquisition and tracking of non-cooperative targets in space as well as detection and recovery from system malfunctions and/ or loss of tracking are the key characteristics of this in-service sensor.
TriDAR – RELATIVE NAVIGATION LiDAR SENSOR (RNLS)
The Relative Navigation LiDAR Sensor (RNLS TriDAR) has been customized in preparation for a 2 year mission to the International Space Station. To meet the operational requirements of the mission, a more compact unit with radiation tolerance and lower power consumption was needed. This TriDAR variant features more efficient optics, a new radiation tolerant laser source, an updated LiDAR receiver and greatly reduced power consumption (down to 40 W). This sensor has been environmentally tested (vibe, TVAC) to TRL6 and a TID radiation test was performed to 10Krad in preparation for its long duration mission.
Image credit NASA