In January, the Science Test Branch (ST15) enabled a test of a LiDAR Engineering Unit for the On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1). As perhaps the longest vacuum chamber available for use by experimenters, the X-ray & Cryogenic Facility’s beamline offered a unique opportunity for the GSFC engineers to evaluate the performance of the LiDAR system over a long, space-like path. ST15 personnel developed special test equipment and installation procedures, installed the LiDAR and targets in the beamline, and operated the facility systems in support of the test. Future testing of a flight model is being considered. See pictures of the testing and the Beamline below.
OSAM-1 is funded by Technology Demonstration Missions (ST40) here at MSFC and within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.
