LAPE: laser altimeter for planetary exploration

Eamonn M. Murphy; Nicola Rando; Peter Falkner; Anthony Peacock

doi:10.1117/12.511066

12 January 2004 LAPE: laser altimeter for planetary exploration

Eamonn M. Murphy, Nicola Rando, Peter Falkner, Anthony Peacock

Proceedings Volume 5240, Laser Radar Technology for Remote Sensing; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.511066
Event: Remote Sensing, 2003, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

Laser based altimetry can be very beneficial for planetary exploration, especially in the absence of any significant atmosphere. This technique can provide accurate information on the surface profile (topographic mapping) in a fast and cost effective manner, allowing, within the characteristics of the spacecraft orbit, repeated global coverage of the planet surface. The key characteristics of planetary laser altimetry are therefore an adequate altitude resolution having a range appropriate for full coverage in a compact mission lifetime, an active measurement principle not requiring direct sun illumination, a relatively simple detection chain (as compared to radar based systems), a low resource budget (e.g. mass, power, envelope, data rate) and a relatively simple interface and integration with the spacecraft. A laser altimeter forms a key component for the ESA mission to Mercury, Bepi-Colombo, onboard the Mercury Planetary Orbiter, MPO. The European Space Agency (ESA) is promoting the study of a generic laser altimeter for planetary exploration. This definition study will use Mercury as a reference for the definition of the environmental and operational requirements.

Citation Download Citation

Eamonn M. Murphy, Nicola Rando, Peter Falkner, and Anthony Peacock "LAPE: laser altimeter for planetary exploration", Proc. SPIE 5240, Laser Radar Technology for Remote Sensing, (12 January 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.511066

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