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Brian Russell Donius
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Corporate Internship Supervisor: Mr. Nick Carter, FastMetrix, Inc.
Abstract
This report represents work done on the development of a LIDAR beam steering device for the Hazard Detection and Avoidance sensor at FastMertix, Inc. This device will allow for low altitude navigation by the Lunar Surface Access Module (LSAM) during final approach and will also allow for autonomous landing of both crewed and unmanned cargo missions. The objective was to create a back of the envelope design of what the sensor would need in terms of motor power to accomplish the scanning rate required by the lunar approach speed. Initially, the specification called for by NASA that included a 25000m^2 scan area, at altitude of 500m and resolution to detect a hemispherical obstruction of 0.1m radius along the surface and 0.05m in height was reviewed. With the product requirements in hand, a rough size and shape for the system was determined. From this information the torque requirements of the system where estimated. This allowed for the sizing of the motors for two-axis scanning system. Using a computer simulation developed in visual basic the capabilities of the scanner were estimated and a measure of efficiency quantified. This efficiency was defined as the area scanned dived by the area of interest. Using this data, senior systems engineers will begin design and construction.
NOTE: This work was sponsored by the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD)
Space Grant Internship Program and FastMetrix, Inc.
Brian Donius was born in St. Ann Missouri in 1987. He was home schooled from the age of 12 onward and entered St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley at the age of 15. After completing basic engineering course curriculum he transferred into the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department of Missouri S&T in Rolla, MO, in Fall 2005. He currently is a senior pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Aerospace Engineering and is taking select graduate level course work under the dual enrollment program. He is treasurer of the Society of Flight Test Engineers and is currently a member of the Missouri Satellite design team. Brian was a Civil Air Patrol Cadet Commander for two years and a Fencing instructor for three; he currently occupies himself with training for the St. Louis marathon in April. His long-term goals include graduate school at Missouri University of Science & Technology with an emphasis in propulsion, and eventual employment with NASA.
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