Byron Meadows, a laser systems engineer at NASA, describes his work on the Sensor Testing for Orion Relative Navigation Risk Mitigation, or STORRM, project. STORRM is a sensor and laser technology that will make it easier for space vehicles to dock to the International Space Station.
This sensing technology also could be used for applications on Earth such as climate and environmental observations, robotic maneuvering, topographical surveillance, and hazard avoidance systems for cars or aircraft.
Meadows explains why NASA wants to develop technology that can operate autonomously, how STORRM accomplished this goal, and how lasers make the project possible.
This program is available on the NES Virtual Campus beginning Apr. 4.