ALHAT System Architecture and Operational Concept

An autonomous lunar landing system applicable to a wide variety of crewed and robotic lunar descent vehicles is under development as part of the ALHAT (autonomous precision landing and hazard detection and avoidance technology) project. This system, referred to as the ALHAT system module (ASM) is a highly advanced integrated sensor suite that enables landing a lunar descent vehicle within tens of meters of a certified and designated landing location anywhere on the Moon, under any lighting condition. This paper describes the basic ASM architecture and its novel concept of operations, and matures this architecture through description of top level lunar landing requirements. Working closely with NASA primary stakeholders, a fully developed ASM design will enable global lunar access for exploration of unique and challenging areas on the lunar surface never before visited.