PSNDL Component Qualification for Class A Missions

Psionic delivers the Psionic Space Navigational Doppler Radar (PSNDL) designed for Class C missions. The PSNDL’s technology acts as a sensor for Entry, Decent and Landing (EDL) for onboard guidance systems to increase situational awareness, reduce landing dispersions and increase safer touchdowns. Psionic’s addresses the risks associated with PSNDL parts design and obsolescence, qualification, testing and reliability for a mission-critical Class A mission. This work results in a higher TRL sensor (6 to 7) suite to allow for direct infusion into missions such as the Mars Sample Return Lander (SRL) and lunar Human Landing System. The proposed objectives and tasking support four technical initiatives. 1. Software Qualification Approach: Psionic develops and implements a structured software qualification approach which improves internal processes and demonstrates a commitment to high-quality software development, focused on Class A/B qualification. 2. Hardware High Reliability Qualification: The current PIC Fault Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is developed. Psionic reviews components in accordance with EEE-INST-002, performs gap analysis, derating and develops a Class A Bill of Material. Modules are upgraded based upon the FMEA and EEE-INST-002 analysis and prototyped for radiation and environmentally qualification. 3. Photonics Integrated Circuit (PIC) Qualification: Psionic collaborates with the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab to determine requirements to qualify the PIC. Psionic performs radiation and environment qualification, analyzes results and provides risk reduction actions such as improved packaging, increased radiation tolerance and better vibration isolation. 4. Documentation: Data and documentation are reviewed for accuracy and delivered. The target market is safe and accurate EDL. The initial infusion case is the Mars SRL which requires accurate measurements of range and velocity for safe and precision landing and subsequent missions include Artemis.
Benefits: P o t e n t i a l N A S A A p p l i c a t i o n s: The Psionic Space Navigational Doppler Lidar (PSNDL) technology supports NASA mission directives with four applications: 1. Entry, Decent and Landing (EDL) Operations as demonstrated by the NASA NDL installed aboard the Intuitive Machines – 1 (IM-1) Commercial Lunar Payload Service (CLPS) lunar landing. Telemetry data from the IM-1 indicates the PSNDL fidelity is adequate to support the Mars Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL) mission and the lunar Human Landing System. PSNDL is an enhanced NASA NDL derivative with improvements such as an additional telescope for reliability and the Time Division Multiplex architecture which maintains all NDL performance with reduced size, mass, power and cost. 2. PSNDL integrated with a Fast-Scanning Mirror (FSM) provides a Rendezvous Proximity Operation (RPO) & Docking capability for the approach, interaction and connection of spacecraft for the Lunar Gateway mission. Psionic is currently developing the PSNDL RPO & Docking architecture integrating the PSNDL with a FSM and controller electronics to provide a RPO & Docking capability for a commercial customer and anticipates completion by December 2025. 3. PSNDL integrated with a FSM enables independent rover navigation and autonomous hazard detection in complex lunar and planetary terrains. Autonomous navigation with situational awareness is instrumental in NASA's CLPS program to support navigation for self-contained robotic missions. 4. Hybrid PSNDL EDL and Rover operations are available using the PSNDL for EDL and after landing, using the same PSNDL for autonomous navigation and situational awareness. Psionic designed and proposed this Hybrid PSNDL System using a single PSNDL for the dual purposes of accurate and precise EDL and terrestrial navigation. The Hybrid PSNDL performs identical functionality as described in (1) and (3) above. The advantages of repurposing the PSNDL after landing for navigation are reduced mass, power, cost and size. P o t e n t i a l N o n - N A S A A p p l i c a t i o n s: The Psionic Space Navigational Doppler Lidar (PSNDL) demonstrated performance, accuracy and low size, mass, power and cost attracts multiple commercial customers. In the space sector, the PSNDL supports leaders like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Firefly Aerospace, enhancing lunar and Mars mission landings and Rendezvous Proximity Operations (RPO) activities. Companies focused on satellite maintenance servicing and debris removal, such as Northrop Grumman and Astroscale, rely on PSNDL accuracy for managing responsive RPO operations and advancing space situational awareness. True Anomaly and ClearSpace further utilize the PSNDL for on-orbit servicing and debris management initiatives, ensuring safety in increasingly congested orbital zones. Commercial infrastructure developers VAST Space and Voyager Space leveraging PSNDL technology for nextgeneration space stations are commercial opportunities, ensuring accurate navigation and docking systems for private research and exploration missions. The PSNDL also supports mining companies such as AstroForge and TransAstra to advance asteroid mining, providing critical data for resource extraction and mapping. PSNDL contributions to autonomous navigation and hazard detection are vital for expanding commercial space operations. By integrating cutting-edge photonic integrated circuit (PIC) advancements, the PSNDL reduces system complexity and supply chain risks for manufacturing, making it a cost-effective solution for companies exploring new frontiers. Its vibrationresilient design and reduced cost, size, mass and power consumption ensure compatibility with compact and cost-efficient spacecraft. With applications extending to environmental monitoring, resource extraction, and commercial space exploration, the PSNDL enhances operational efficiency and safety across industries. It positions itself as a pivotal asset for companies seeking innovative, low cost, reliable navigation solutions for lunar and planetary missions.