Stereo camera simulation for lunar surface photogrammetry

Ryan J. Thompson, Paul M. Danehy, Michelle M. Munk, Manish Mehta, Michael S. Manginelli, Chi Nguyen, Orrin H. Thomas

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

During the rocket-powered landing of a vehicle on a planetary body, the interaction between the rocket plume and the surface material beneath the vehicle plays a significant role in the descent dynamics and the safety of powered descent. However, in situ data taken to investigate plume-surface interaction has been limited. The upcoming flight and lunar landing of the Intuitive Machines Nova-C will be equipped with the Stereo Cameras for Lunar PlumeSurface Studies (SCALPSS) science package, enabling the direct measurement of plumeinduced surface cratering during powered descent. In this work, we present the engineering constraints, design iteration process, and simulation results that drove the design selection for the SCALPSS camera system. The chosen design will provide 3D-imaging coverage of 84 percent of the lunar surface directly under the landed Nova-C, in addition to some coverage of the neighboring surface. SCALPSS will provide a total 3D-imaging coverage area of approximately 13 square meters. With the anticipated Nova-C landing in October of 2021, SCALPSS will provide the first dedicated in situ measurement of plume-induced surface cratering.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAIAA Scitech 2021 Forum
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
Pages1-15
Number of pages15
ISBN (Print)9781624106095
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes
EventAIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: Jan 11 2021Jan 15 2021

Publication series

NameAIAA Scitech 2021 Forum

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2021
CityVirtual, Online
Period01/11/2101/15/21

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge Intuitive Machines for providing 3D models of the Nova-C lander and contributing to valuable discussions regarding the design and operation of the SCALPSS camera system. The SCALPSS Project was funded by the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) through the NASA Provided Lunar Payload (NPLP) Development Program.

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