SBIR-STTR Award

This SBIR Phase I effort will be devoted to exploring possible improvements for the NASA ARCSTONE instrument. One possible improvement will be to utilize total internal reflection optics for the fore-optics of the system. Possible benefits include reduced polarization and smaller size. A second possible improvement will be to use an optical design that requires only one focal plane array for the entire spectral range of 350-2,300 nm. The primary advantage of this approach would be reduced size and weight. During this effort optical ray-trace designs will be developed and optimized, followed by development of preliminary opto-mechanical designs. This will enable side-by-side comparisons with the existing ARCSTONE instrument. If warranted, plans will be developed for prototype fabrication and testing in Phase II. Potential NASA Applications The improvements developed during this effort will be integrated into the existing NASA ARCSTONE project devoted to calibrating the lunar reflectance. Potential Non-NASA Applications There are currently no envisioned non-NASA applications.

This SBIR Phase II effort will advance a new ARCSTONE instrument for calibrating lunar reflectance from TRL 2 to TRL 4. The new instrument, conceived in the Phase I effort, will be much smaller than first-generation units and fit within a 6U satellite payload with substantial margin. This system will utilize a single focal plane array and span the spectral range of 350-2,300 nm. Optical modeling indicates the new design will meet the ARCSTONE science needs, and preliminary mechanical designs indicate the system will be robust. The goal of the effort is to reduce risk for the smaller instrument and set the stage for development of a flight system. During the Phase II effort, the existing design will be iteratively improved as optical, mechanical, and assembly/alignment considerations are addressed and refined. This work will benefit from lessons learned from the first generation ARCSTONE instrument and will readily integrate into the NASA ARCSTONE program. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) The prototype instrument will pave the path towards development of an ARCSTONE flight system that meets the size and weight constraints of a 6U cubesat. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) There are currently no envisioned non-NASA applications.