LIDAR altimeter conception for HERA spacecraft

Purpose This paper aims to report the first iteration on Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Engineering Model altimeter named HELENA. HELENA is a Time of Flight (TOF) that provides time-tagged distances velocity measurements. The LIDAR can be used for support near asteroid navigation scientific information. design comprises two types technologies: microchip laser low noise sensor. synergies between these technologies enable developing compact instrument range measurements up 14 km. Thermal-mechanical radiometric simulations telescope are reported in this paper. subjected vibrational, static thermal conditions, it was possible conclude by results compliant with random vibration levels, load operating temperatures. Design/methodology/approach Asteroid Impact & Deflection Assessment (AIDA) collaboration NASA DART mission ESA Hera mission. aim scope study deflection through kinetic collision. spacecraft will collide Didymos-B, while ground stations monitor orbit change. HERA post-impact scenario. composed main small CubeSats. cameras, radar, satellite-to-satellite doppler tracking, LIDAR, seismometry gravimetry. Findings Originality/value In TOF