Partnering Opportunity for the Surface Mobility Lidar (SML)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking partners to participate in a proposal development activity for the Surface Mobility Lidar (SML) project. The project aims to develop a 2D detector array and Readout Integrated Circuit (ROIC) capable of measuring Time-of-Flight of photons for each pixel at 20 Hz or higher. The ideal partner should have experience in space-flight instrument development and demonstrate interest and capabilities in advancing low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies to TRL 5 or higher. The partner is expected to provide expertise in the technical challenge described above and must have the personnel and facilities required to perform any necessary software or hardware testing. Some key points to consider: • The partner must develop a 2D array to measure range to target with measurement noise of 2.5 cm or better in each pixel. • The detector must have contrast of 10 dB or larger and dynamic range of 20 dB or larger is preferred. • The partner must deliver a packaged camera (detector, ROIC, lens mount, and associated control electronics) with a trigger output and an electrical or optical input for time reference. • The target delivery timeframe is 16 months or less. • Alternative approaches and implementations may be considered.