ELSA: Europa Lander Lidar Sensor Assembly – Field Testing and Performance Analysis

To enable safe landing on unknown terrain, such as Europa, JPL has been developing next-generation dual-mode lidars that can provide long range altimetry as well as dense 3D mapping in real-time during landing. In this paper, we discuss the design, integration, and performance of one of the lidars built in partnership with industry. A form, fit, function and performance equivalent lidar model was field-tested on a fully instrumented helicopter platform over natural terrains and man-made targets. We present some of the highlights from the various flight tests.