Surface LIDAR Requirements for Extraterrestrial Rovers
ID: 80JSC026RLDARType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTERHOUSTON, TX, 77058, USA

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

PSC

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES (6640)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/78d860bfd5ba44259c936c77caf14134/view
Timeline
    Description

    NASA's Johnson Space Center is seeking information regarding Surface LIDAR requirements for extraterrestrial rovers as part of its Artemis Program. The agency aims to identify Key Driving Requirements (KDRs) and Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) for LIDAR sensors intended for lunar and future Martian missions, addressing challenges faced by current stereo camera navigation in low-visibility environments. This initiative is crucial for enhancing navigation capabilities in challenging terrains, particularly in the lunar South Pole, where illumination conditions can hinder performance. Interested parties, especially small businesses from all socioeconomic categories, are encouraged to review the attached Request for Information (RFI) and submit their responses by February 5, 2026. For further inquiries, contact Stephen Noethen at stephen.d.noethen@nasa.gov or call 346-528-7684.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Stephen Noethen
    (346) 528-7684
    stephen.d.noethen@nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    LL_RFI.docx
    NASA's Artemis Program is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for Surface LIDAR Requirements for Extraterrestrial Rovers. The RFI, with responses due by February 5, 2026, seeks to identify Key Driving Requirements (KDRs) and Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) for LIDAR sensors for lunar and future Martian rover missions. Current stereo camera navigation faces challenges in the lunar South Pole due to low sun angles, long shadows, and lack of landmarks. LIDAR is seen as a solution to mitigate these risks by directly measuring range and being robust to illumination conditions. NASA is conducting a survey, testing, and roadmapping effort to understand needs, assess capability gaps, and identify routes for LIDAR maturation. The agency is requesting information on mission architectures, LIDAR use cases, sensor candidates, important selection factors, concerns with LIDAR, and commercial availability. NASA aims to use this feedback to inform testing roadmap development, strategize industry engagement, and potentially host an industry workshop.
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    Surface LIDAR Requirements for Extraterrestrial Rovers
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