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Research Tasks

COTS Terminal Descent Sensor Flight Test

COTS Terminal Descent Sensor Flight Test
The Mars Science Laboratory landing scenario, showing a visible representation of the three beam landing radar emanating from the right side of the propulsive "sky crane". The rover hangs from the sky crane until touchdown, at which time the bridle is severed.
The objective of this MTP/MSL FT Technology development task is to assess the performances of a representative Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Doppler Velocity Sensor (DVS) and a breadboard single-beam model of the MSL-baselined Terminal Descent Sensor (TDS) via field testing. The Mars Science Laboratory mission requires accurate sensing of ground-relative 3-axis velocity and slant-range altimetry during specific portions of Entry, Descent, and Landing.
Point of Contact: Chuck Bergh
Sponsored By: Mars Technology Program

People on this Task

Chuck Bergh