Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic has begun work at its propulsion and test facility in Mojave, Calif., on a high-fidelity 3D test field that will mimic the topography and optical properties of the moon’s surface.
The test site, the Lunar Surface Proving Ground (LSPG), simulates the extreme lighting conditions encountered at the lunar poles. It will be used to test precise lunar landing technologies, navigation algorithms for lunar rovers and other robotic systems; and will provide a realistic lunar topography for spacecraft and rover sensors and systems; and serve as another verification method for flight systems.
LSPG is designed to simulate a region on the moon’s south pole. To create the terrain, that is modeled after a map of the lunar surface, Astrobotic will use a layer of solid, unfinished stucco.
“The accuracy of the LSPG’s terrain will allow our customers to test their technologies using the closest physical copy of lunar terrain available on Earth,” Jenna Edwards, Astrobotic director of propulsion and test, said.
Astrobotic will unveil LSPG later this year. It will debut as the test site for NASA’s Nighttime Precision Landing Challenge, part of the TechLeap Prize. Three winning teams will fly their sensing payloads to simulate landing on the moon during the lunar night.