Advanced Scientific Concepts (ASC) has launched the DragonEye 3D Flash LIDAR camera, designed specifically for use in Discovery’s last space exploration mission.
The compact and lightweight DragonEye is meant for capturing a complete sequence of 128x128 3D range pixels that are individually triggered. Capable of generating 30 frames per second, it allows for real-time transmission of data stream.
The DragonEye has been designed for On-orbit Satellite Servicing and Automated Rendezvous and Docking. It has been tested on NASA's STS-127 Endeavour orbiter. Additional tests were carried out by mounting it on the STS-133 Discovery.
The DragonEye comes with Class I eye-safe lasers for illumination as well as real-time imaging devoid of motion distortion to allow real-time guidance, navigation and control systems. Furthermore, the 3D FLC systems are not restricted to space explorations alone, as they can be applied in the fields of defense, surveillance, aviation, automotive and robotics.
The President and CEO of ASC, Dr. Roger Stettner is confident that there will be no more test runs and stated that the 3D Flash LIDAR Camera will make landing, docking and autonomous rendezvous a reality.
Source: http://www.advancedscientificconcepts.com/