{"id":140728,"date":"2022-09-30T19:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-30T23:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?migration=converted-node-483088"},"modified":"2023-10-27T15:16:37","modified_gmt":"2023-10-27T19:16:37","slug":"impact-story-terrain-relative-navigation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/stmd\/impact-story-terrain-relative-navigation\/","title":{"rendered":"Impact Story: Terrain Relative Navigation"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\"padding-top-5 padding-bottom-3 width-full maxw-full hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-article-intro\"><div class=\"width-full maxw-full article-header\"><div class=\"margin-bottom-2 width-full maxw-full\"><p class=\"label carbon-60 margin-0 margin-bottom-3 padding-0\">9 min read<\/p><h1 class=\"display-48 margin-bottom-2\">Impact Story: Terrain Relative Navigation<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Touchdown On Rocky New Worlds<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>What Is An Impact Story?<\/em> <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><em>NASA\u2019s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) develops technologies through a community of entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators to solve the nation\u2019s toughest challenges and enable future NASA and commercial missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Each impact story summarizes an STMD-enabled technology\u2019s complex journey from idea to use \u2013 illustrating how support from NASA drives innovation, development, demonstration, and commercialization of new technologies.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Jezero Crater on Mars is full of hazards such as rocky hills and smaller craters, making it a challenge to land in \u2013 until NASA\u2019s Mars 2020 mission with the agency\u2019s Perseverance rover did just that with the help of improved navigation technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), a technology developed by NASA, facilitates increased landing accuracy and helps spacecraft avoid surface hazards. It allows the exploration of other worlds, like Mars and various moons, in areas that were previously considered too difficult for the spacecraft to land. TRN uses a camera to correlate visible terrain features to onboard maps, calculating relative positions and altitudes during descent within seconds. Furthermore, TRN can autonomously navigate spacecraft away from medium to large hazards within a target landing zone to ensure a safe landing for a successful mission. Having proven the value of TRN\u2019s precision landing capability, researchers are now combining TRN into several other entry, descent, and landing (EDL) and hazard detection technologies for missions to the Moon and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Challenge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-center padding-y-3 maxw-full width-full display-flex flex-align-center hds-module wp-block-nasa-blocks-blockquote\"><div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block display-flex flex-column flex-justify-center padding-0\">\n\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:display-flex mobile:display-block\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blockquote-icon margin-bottom-3\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"tablet:square-4 square-4 margin-right-3\" version=\"1.1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 3000 3000\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 3000 3000;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"> <g> <path d=\"M586.7,1429.7c-10.7,1.5-21.4,2.8-33.9,4.5c6.9-26.6,12.7-50.7,19.5-74.6c32.4-114.1,78.5-222.2,146.8-319.5 c90.2-128.5,202.5-235.3,327.7-329.1c8.4-6.3,16.7-12.6,25.3-19.1c-66.3-105.1-131.5-208.6-197.3-313.1c-3.5,1.2-5.5,1.6-7.2,2.6 C714.4,469,576.1,575.7,456,705.3c-126,135.9-226.2,289.1-303,457.8c-98.8,217.1-151.3,444-147.2,683.3 c1.7,100.5,12.9,199.6,41.1,296.3C93.7,2303,182.2,2433,326.7,2520.1c176.9,106.7,366.8,126.8,563.4,70.5 c150.9-43.2,260.9-138.9,327.2-282.5c33.4-72.5,47.8-149.4,52-228.7c6.5-122.8-14.1-239.5-74.3-348.1 C1074.6,1514.5,832.7,1394.2,586.7,1429.7z\"><\/path><path d=\"M2912.5,1722c-129.9-210.9-320.2-309.4-567.9-296c-22.1,1.2-44,5.1-67.4,7.9c2.2-9.6,4-17.9,6.1-26.2 c37.9-153.6,99.3-296,198.8-420.5c77.8-97.4,167.1-182.9,265.8-258.8c15.6-12,31.3-23.9,47.9-36.5 c-66.2-105.1-131.9-209.2-197.2-312.8c-3.5,1.1-5.1,1.2-6.4,2c-167.2,95.6-316.1,213.7-443.2,358.8 c-105.1,119.9-191.1,252.3-259.5,396.3c-95.5,201-152.1,411.6-159.1,634.8c-3.9,125.5,4.8,249.7,40.1,371 c46.7,160.8,135.7,290.9,280.5,378.7c165.7,100.5,344.8,123,531.2,78.8c172.4-40.8,296.4-143.9,366.3-308.5 c28.5-67.2,40.6-138,44.6-210.5C3000.2,1953.3,2979.9,1831.4,2912.5,1722z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blockquote-content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"font-weight-extralight line-height-sm margin-top-0 section-heading-sm\"><span class=\"section-heading-sm\">Scientists want to go to exciting places, not boring flat ones.<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blockquote-image hds-cover-wrapper margin-right-3\"><figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/michelle_munk.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Michelle Munk\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/michelle_munk.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/michelle_munk.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/michelle_munk.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/michelle_munk.jpg?resize=200,200 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-11\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blockquote-credit-name line-height-sm margin-0\">Michelle Munk<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blockquote-credit-title line-height-sm padding-0 margin-0\">EDL Capability Lead and Acting Chief Architect and for the Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-center padding-y-3 maxw-full width-full display-flex flex-align-center hds-module wp-block-nasa-blocks-blockquote\"><div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block display-flex flex-column flex-justify-center padding-0\">\n\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:display-flex mobile:display-block\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blockquote-icon margin-bottom-3\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"tablet:square-4 square-4 margin-right-3\" version=\"1.1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 3000 3000\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 3000 3000;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"> <g> <path d=\"M586.7,1429.7c-10.7,1.5-21.4,2.8-33.9,4.5c6.9-26.6,12.7-50.7,19.5-74.6c32.4-114.1,78.5-222.2,146.8-319.5 c90.2-128.5,202.5-235.3,327.7-329.1c8.4-6.3,16.7-12.6,25.3-19.1c-66.3-105.1-131.5-208.6-197.3-313.1c-3.5,1.2-5.5,1.6-7.2,2.6 C714.4,469,576.1,575.7,456,705.3c-126,135.9-226.2,289.1-303,457.8c-98.8,217.1-151.3,444-147.2,683.3 c1.7,100.5,12.9,199.6,41.1,296.3C93.7,2303,182.2,2433,326.7,2520.1c176.9,106.7,366.8,126.8,563.4,70.5 c150.9-43.2,260.9-138.9,327.2-282.5c33.4-72.5,47.8-149.4,52-228.7c6.5-122.8-14.1-239.5-74.3-348.1 C1074.6,1514.5,832.7,1394.2,586.7,1429.7z\"><\/path><path d=\"M2912.5,1722c-129.9-210.9-320.2-309.4-567.9-296c-22.1,1.2-44,5.1-67.4,7.9c2.2-9.6,4-17.9,6.1-26.2 c37.9-153.6,99.3-296,198.8-420.5c77.8-97.4,167.1-182.9,265.8-258.8c15.6-12,31.3-23.9,47.9-36.5 c-66.2-105.1-131.9-209.2-197.2-312.8c-3.5,1.1-5.1,1.2-6.4,2c-167.2,95.6-316.1,213.7-443.2,358.8 c-105.1,119.9-191.1,252.3-259.5,396.3c-95.5,201-152.1,411.6-159.1,634.8c-3.9,125.5,4.8,249.7,40.1,371 c46.7,160.8,135.7,290.9,280.5,378.7c165.7,100.5,344.8,123,531.2,78.8c172.4-40.8,296.4-143.9,366.3-308.5 c28.5-67.2,40.6-138,44.6-210.5C3000.2,1953.3,2979.9,1831.4,2912.5,1722z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blockquote-content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"font-weight-extralight line-height-sm margin-top-0 section-heading-sm\"><span class=\"section-heading-sm\">The highest science return is often in very challenging terrains for landing.<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blockquote-image hds-cover-wrapper margin-right-3\"><figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/johnson_andrew_for_bio.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Andrew Johnson\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/johnson_andrew_for_bio.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/johnson_andrew_for_bio.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/johnson_andrew_for_bio.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/johnson_andrew_for_bio.jpg?resize=200,200 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-11\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blockquote-credit-name line-height-sm margin-0\">Andrew Johnson<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blockquote-credit-title line-height-sm padding-0 margin-0\">Principal Robotics Systems Engineer at NASA\u2019s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>During the Apollo missions, astronauts looked out the windows of the spacecraft to identify landmarks to determine their estimated position and manually choose a landing spot away from hazards, such as craters, dunes, and rock fields. For safe and successful robotic and eventual crewed Mars missions, spacecraft require a more accurate and autonomous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A \u201chigh-precision\u201d landing is one where the spacecraft can touch down within about 160 feet (50 meters) of its target. Before TRN, high-precision landing capabilities did not exist. <a href=\"https:\/\/mars.nasa.gov\/mars2020\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mars 2020<\/a> was the first robotic mission to Mars to use vision-based navigation for safe and precise landing. In previous rover missions, location was estimated through data provided by the Deep Space Network, NASA\u2019s international array of giant radio antennas, with an estimated error of up to nearly 1.25 miles (2 kilometers). Harsher terrain \u2013 like that found within Jezero Crater on Mars \u2013 provides opportunities for diverse geological sampling, so missions without high-precision landing capabilities must choose safer landing sites over sites with potential for enlightening discoveries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Advantage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf we didn\u2019t have TRN, the probability of landing safely at Jezero Crater was about 80 to 85%. With TRN, the probability increased to 99%.\u201d \u2013 Swati Mohan, guidance, navigation, and control operations lead for NASA\u2019s Perseverance rover at JPL.  <\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pia24265_-_edl_milestones_unannotated.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pia24265_-_edl_milestones_unannotated.png?w=1920\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Visual demonstration of EDL landing on Mars.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pia24265_-_edl_milestones_unannotated.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pia24265_-_edl_milestones_unannotated.png?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pia24265_-_edl_milestones_unannotated.png?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pia24265_-_edl_milestones_unannotated.png?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pia24265_-_edl_milestones_unannotated.png?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pia24265_-_edl_milestones_unannotated.png?resize=400,225 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pia24265_-_edl_milestones_unannotated.png?resize=600,338 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pia24265_-_edl_milestones_unannotated.png?resize=900,506 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/pia24265_-_edl_milestones_unannotated.png?resize=1200,675 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">This illustration shows the events that occurred in the final minutes of the nearly seven-month journey that NASA\u2019s Perseverance rover took to Mars.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/JPL-Caltech<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>High Precision Position Estimation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As high as 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers) above the surface, the Mars 2020 TRN system\u2019s onboard camera started taking real-time photos of the terrain and matching landmarks to preloaded maps to provide spacecraft position, like GPS, all within 10 seconds. For the Mars 2020 mission, TRN improved the location estimate accuracy from 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) to 0.025 miles (40 meters) or better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Multi-Point Landing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With the addition of TRN, a spacecraft has options for landing sites. After the position estimates are calculated, TRN can choose the safest landing position within its target landing zone and use the small amount of fuel left onboard to divert, avoiding medium to large size hazards. With more fuel, the spacecraft could perform larger adjustments to provide other landing options. With multi-point landing capabilities, instead of arriving at a safe location and driving to the science site, a rover can land directly at the target destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Simple Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>TRN\u2019s simple, cost-effective design is advantageous for missions, not only in functionality but also volume and power. TRN only has two main compact components, a camera, and a computer. Although the computer needs to calculate position estimates and recommendations in addition to processing and storing images, it uses relatively low power. This allows greater allocation of power to other science payloads and functional systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Technology Development <a href=\"\/directorates\/spacetech\/Terrain_Relative_Navigation\"> <\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Two people working on astrobotics.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg 4032w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg?resize=1024,768 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg?resize=1536,1152 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg?resize=2048,1536 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg?resize=400,300 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg?resize=600,450 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg?resize=900,675 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg?resize=1200,900 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg?resize=2000,1500 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Astrobotic installs OPAL onto Peregrine\u2019s flight decks.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">Astrobotic<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Pre-2014: Inception and Early Development<\/strong><br>\nAs scientists narrowed down the list of target locations on Mars to collect precious samples, many of the most interesting sites had hazardous terrain where it would be difficult to land a rover. NASA JPL recognized the critical need for precision landing capabilities and came up with the concept of TRN. TRN was advanced over years with multiple funding sources through various NASA programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2013-2014: Flight Demonstration<\/strong><br>\nIn 2014, through two suborbital flights funded by STMD\u2019s <a href=\"\/directorates\/spacetech\/flightopportunities\/index.html\">Flight Opportunities<\/a> program, TRN was tested as part of the Autonomous Descent and Ascent Powered-flight Testbed (ADAPT) aboard Masten Space Systems\u2019 Xombie vertical takeoff, vertical landing rocket in the Mojave Desert. During descent, TRN successfully navigated Xombie\u2019s course by recognizing terrain features and providing relative position to the target landing site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2015-2017: Technology Maturation and Growth<\/strong><br>\nSTMD\u2019s <a href=\"\/directorates\/spacetech\/game_changing_development\/index.html\">Game Changing Development <\/a>(GCD) program advanced TRN as part of the Intelligent Landing System, improving capabilities for safe landing for a potential future mission to land on Europa, one of Jupiter\u2019s moons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2017, TRN was demonstrated again on Masten Space Systems\u2019 Xodiac rocket as part of STMD\u2019s CoOperative Blending of Autonomous Landing Technologies (COBALT) project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2018: Commercialization<\/strong><br>\nSTMD awarded two TRN-related <a href=\"\/directorates\/spacetech\/solicitations\/tipping_points\">Tipping Point <\/a>technology development award to Astrobotic Technology and Blue Origin to develop TRN solutions for lunar missions.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpegpia23265.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1153\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpegpia23265.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Airbus helicopter in flight.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpegpia23265.jpg 4684w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpegpia23265.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpegpia23265.jpg?resize=768,433 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpegpia23265.jpg?resize=1024,577 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpegpia23265.jpg?resize=1536,865 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpegpia23265.jpg?resize=2048,1153 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpegpia23265.jpg?resize=400,225 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpegpia23265.jpg?resize=600,338 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpegpia23265.jpg?resize=900,507 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpegpia23265.jpg?resize=1200,676 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpegpia23265.jpg?resize=2000,1126 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">TDM supported TRN\u2019s Landing Vision System helicopter demonstration<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/JPL-Caltech<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>2019-2021: Technology Demonstration<\/strong><br>\nSTMD\u2019s <a href=\"\/mission_pages\/tdm\/main\/index.html\">Technology Demonstration Missions<\/a> (TDM) supported further maturation of TRN, including several design reviews, an additional helicopter demonstration in 2019 in Death Valley National Park, and integration of the software, algorithms, and sensors into a single system before the Mars 2020 launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As TRN evolved, it was also implemented for other projects. GCD\u2019s Safe & Precise Landing \u2013 Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE) project included TRN in its suite of technologies around precision landing and hazard avoidance. In 2019, the SPLICE TRN was tested onboard Masten\u2019s Xodiac rocket as a critical step toward follow-on flight testing in 2020 and 2021 through a GCD and Flight Opportunities-supported suborbital flight demonstration aboard Blue Origin\u2019s New Shepard rocket.STMD\u2019s GCD is funding a Lunar Digital Elevation Maps, Mapping, Modeling, and Validation effort for improving lunar digital elevation maps for TRN and hazard detection systems. In 2020, Intuitive Machines was awarded an STMD Tipping Point related to TRN image and map processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Infusion And Commercialization<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mars Exploration Infusion:<\/strong> Mars 2020 Mission<br> TRN fulfilled a mission-critical capability for Mars 2020, enabling a safe landing at the preferred science location to meet mission objectives. Perseverance\u2019s main goals are to study the geological environment of the landing area, seek signs of ancient microbial life, and collect precious Martian samples for possible return to Earth. Studying Martian terrain and habitability will further prepare NASA for future crewed Mars missions. At least 13 other STMD-supported technologies are also onboard the Perseverance Rover, including <a href=\"https:\/\/mars.nasa.gov\/mars2020\/spacecraft\/instruments\/moxie\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MOXIE<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/mars.nasa.gov\/news\/8903\/sensors-collect-crucial-data-on-mars-landings-with-arrival-of-perseverance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MEDLI2<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/mars.nasa.gov\/mars2020\/spacecraft\/rover\/arm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Motiv Robotic Arm<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-center padding-y-3 maxw-full width-full display-flex flex-align-center hds-module wp-block-nasa-blocks-blockquote\"><div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block display-flex flex-column flex-justify-center padding-0\">\n\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:display-flex mobile:display-block\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blockquote-icon margin-bottom-3\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"tablet:square-4 square-4 margin-right-3\" version=\"1.1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 3000 3000\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 3000 3000;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"> <g> <path d=\"M586.7,1429.7c-10.7,1.5-21.4,2.8-33.9,4.5c6.9-26.6,12.7-50.7,19.5-74.6c32.4-114.1,78.5-222.2,146.8-319.5 c90.2-128.5,202.5-235.3,327.7-329.1c8.4-6.3,16.7-12.6,25.3-19.1c-66.3-105.1-131.5-208.6-197.3-313.1c-3.5,1.2-5.5,1.6-7.2,2.6 C714.4,469,576.1,575.7,456,705.3c-126,135.9-226.2,289.1-303,457.8c-98.8,217.1-151.3,444-147.2,683.3 c1.7,100.5,12.9,199.6,41.1,296.3C93.7,2303,182.2,2433,326.7,2520.1c176.9,106.7,366.8,126.8,563.4,70.5 c150.9-43.2,260.9-138.9,327.2-282.5c33.4-72.5,47.8-149.4,52-228.7c6.5-122.8-14.1-239.5-74.3-348.1 C1074.6,1514.5,832.7,1394.2,586.7,1429.7z\"><\/path><path d=\"M2912.5,1722c-129.9-210.9-320.2-309.4-567.9-296c-22.1,1.2-44,5.1-67.4,7.9c2.2-9.6,4-17.9,6.1-26.2 c37.9-153.6,99.3-296,198.8-420.5c77.8-97.4,167.1-182.9,265.8-258.8c15.6-12,31.3-23.9,47.9-36.5 c-66.2-105.1-131.9-209.2-197.2-312.8c-3.5,1.1-5.1,1.2-6.4,2c-167.2,95.6-316.1,213.7-443.2,358.8 c-105.1,119.9-191.1,252.3-259.5,396.3c-95.5,201-152.1,411.6-159.1,634.8c-3.9,125.5,4.8,249.7,40.1,371 c46.7,160.8,135.7,290.9,280.5,378.7c165.7,100.5,344.8,123,531.2,78.8c172.4-40.8,296.4-143.9,366.3-308.5 c28.5-67.2,40.6-138,44.6-210.5C3000.2,1953.3,2979.9,1831.4,2912.5,1722z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blockquote-content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"font-weight-extralight line-height-sm margin-top-0 section-heading-sm\"><span class=\"section-heading-sm\">NASA has been instrumental in our work in TRN, through multiple STMD awards, allowing us to develop critical tools to get the technology over the line and demonstrate its potential as a commercial product.<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blockquote-image hds-cover-wrapper margin-right-3\"><figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pdco-great-starfield-blue.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Dr. Andrew Horchler\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pdco-great-starfield-blue.png?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pdco-great-starfield-blue.png?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pdco-great-starfield-blue.png?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pdco-great-starfield-blue.png?resize=200,200 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-11\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blockquote-credit-name line-height-sm margin-0\">Dr. Andrew Horchler<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blockquote-credit-title line-height-sm padding-0 margin-0\">Chief Research Scientist for Astrobotic<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Lunar Exploration Commercial Infusion: <\/strong>Astrobotic Technology and Blue Origin<br> Astrobotic is working with JPL under an STMD Tipping Point to integrate parts of the Mars 2020 Lander Vision System into a commercial lunar TRN solution called OPAL. The maps for TRN are critical to the success of high-stakes missions to the Moon. Lunar TRN maps are significantly larger in extent than those for Mars due to the shape of the lander descent profile. The sweeping shadows at the poles where future lunar missions will land provide further challenges. Astrobotic\u2019s \u201cbolt-on\u201d solution incorporates all flight hardware and software, as well as tools for 3D terrain modeling and real-time physics-based lighting simulation required for generating and validating accurate TRN maps for precision lunar landing. OPAL will complete a technology demonstration on Peregrine Mission 1. Astrobotic will also use TRN to support the landing of NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/viper\" rel=\"noopener\">Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover<\/a> (VIPER). Both landings support deliveries as part of NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/content\/commercial-lunar-payload-services\" rel=\"noopener\">Commercial Lunar Payload Services<\/a> initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-center padding-y-3 maxw-full width-full display-flex flex-align-center hds-module wp-block-nasa-blocks-blockquote\"><div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block display-flex flex-column flex-justify-center padding-0\">\n\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:display-flex mobile:display-block\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blockquote-icon margin-bottom-3\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"tablet:square-4 square-4 margin-right-3\" version=\"1.1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 3000 3000\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 3000 3000;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"> <g> <path d=\"M586.7,1429.7c-10.7,1.5-21.4,2.8-33.9,4.5c6.9-26.6,12.7-50.7,19.5-74.6c32.4-114.1,78.5-222.2,146.8-319.5 c90.2-128.5,202.5-235.3,327.7-329.1c8.4-6.3,16.7-12.6,25.3-19.1c-66.3-105.1-131.5-208.6-197.3-313.1c-3.5,1.2-5.5,1.6-7.2,2.6 C714.4,469,576.1,575.7,456,705.3c-126,135.9-226.2,289.1-303,457.8c-98.8,217.1-151.3,444-147.2,683.3 c1.7,100.5,12.9,199.6,41.1,296.3C93.7,2303,182.2,2433,326.7,2520.1c176.9,106.7,366.8,126.8,563.4,70.5 c150.9-43.2,260.9-138.9,327.2-282.5c33.4-72.5,47.8-149.4,52-228.7c6.5-122.8-14.1-239.5-74.3-348.1 C1074.6,1514.5,832.7,1394.2,586.7,1429.7z\"><\/path><path d=\"M2912.5,1722c-129.9-210.9-320.2-309.4-567.9-296c-22.1,1.2-44,5.1-67.4,7.9c2.2-9.6,4-17.9,6.1-26.2 c37.9-153.6,99.3-296,198.8-420.5c77.8-97.4,167.1-182.9,265.8-258.8c15.6-12,31.3-23.9,47.9-36.5 c-66.2-105.1-131.9-209.2-197.2-312.8c-3.5,1.1-5.1,1.2-6.4,2c-167.2,95.6-316.1,213.7-443.2,358.8 c-105.1,119.9-191.1,252.3-259.5,396.3c-95.5,201-152.1,411.6-159.1,634.8c-3.9,125.5,4.8,249.7,40.1,371 c46.7,160.8,135.7,290.9,280.5,378.7c165.7,100.5,344.8,123,531.2,78.8c172.4-40.8,296.4-143.9,366.3-308.5 c28.5-67.2,40.6-138,44.6-210.5C3000.2,1953.3,2979.9,1831.4,2912.5,1722z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"blockquote-content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"font-weight-extralight line-height-sm margin-top-0 section-heading-sm\"><span class=\"section-heading-sm\">NASA STMD is the space industry\u2019s technology partner. Our collaborations advance the state of the art and help us test capabilities needed for our commercial business model.<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"blockquote-image hds-cover-wrapper margin-right-3\"><figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pdco-great-starfield-blue.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Brent Sherwood\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pdco-great-starfield-blue.png?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pdco-great-starfield-blue.png?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pdco-great-starfield-blue.png?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pdco-great-starfield-blue.png?resize=200,200 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-11\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blockquote-credit-name line-height-sm margin-0\">Brent Sherwood<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"blockquote-credit-title line-height-sm padding-0 margin-0\">Senior Vice President, Advanced Development Programs, Blue Origin<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Blue Origin collaborated with JPL and Johnson Space Center to mature critical technologies that enable safe and precise landing for lunar missions through an STMD Tipping Point. This award matured several of NASA\u2019s descent and landing sensors, such as TRN, including a flight demonstration aboard its New Shepard vertical takeoff, vertical landing suborbital vehicle. Blue Origin\u2019s TRN solution will demonstrate landing capabilities necessary for enhancing lunar missions and create new commercial opportunities for planetary exploration. <\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/nasa_team_with_booster_post_p11_blue_pic_2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1929\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/nasa_team_with_booster_post_p11_blue_pic_2.jpg?w=1929\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Team in front of a rocket booster.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/nasa_team_with_booster_post_p11_blue_pic_2.jpg 2651w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/nasa_team_with_booster_post_p11_blue_pic_2.jpg?resize=283,300 283w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/nasa_team_with_booster_post_p11_blue_pic_2.jpg?resize=768,815 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/nasa_team_with_booster_post_p11_blue_pic_2.jpg?resize=965,1024 965w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/nasa_team_with_booster_post_p11_blue_pic_2.jpg?resize=1447,1536 1447w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/nasa_team_with_booster_post_p11_blue_pic_2.jpg?resize=1929,2048 1929w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/nasa_team_with_booster_post_p11_blue_pic_2.jpg?resize=377,400 377w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/nasa_team_with_booster_post_p11_blue_pic_2.jpg?resize=565,600 565w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/nasa_team_with_booster_post_p11_blue_pic_2.jpg?resize=848,900 848w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/nasa_team_with_booster_post_p11_blue_pic_2.jpg?resize=1130,1200 1130w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/nasa_team_with_booster_post_p11_blue_pic_2.jpg?resize=1884,2000 1884w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1929px) 100vw, 1929px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">NASA team members next to the New Shepard post landing.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">Blue Origin<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Future Infusion Opportunities: Planetary Exploration<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>TRN is a part of GCD\u2019s Intelligent Landing System (ILS), which would support future missions to Europa. Unlike Mars and the Moon, there aren\u2019t high-resolution images of Europa\u2019s surface, so a vision-based navigation sensor alone would be insufficient. Furthermore, a spacecraft landing on Europa would encounter not only terrain hazards, but also a high radiation environment and limited onboard resources. Therefore, the ILS combined several precision landing, navigation, and hazard detection capabilities designed to ensure a successful Europa landing mission. Combining TRN with other technologies, a spacecraft could further reduce dangerous terrain risks, while capturing photos of the surface and determining velocity of the spacecraft. ILS would also be able to generate high-elevation maps of the surface, beneficial for future missions as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The GCD SPLICE project includes TRN within a broader suite of technologies for safe and precise touchdown of landers that can be leveraged for future robotic and human missions to the Moon, Mars, and other planetary exploration. The technologies include high-resolution lidar sensors, high-performance computing, and advanced algorithms, which together enable a lander to detect small, basketball-sized hazards (20-30 cm) during descent toward touchdown and to do so even in the presence of unlighted or shadowed terrain where cameras are unable to acquire imagery. Working in tandem, the suite of sensors in the SPLICE projects can enable even larger landing adjustments on future missions to target safe landing in even more hazardous terrain that has high scientific and exploration potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contact <a href=\"mailto:swati.h.patel@nasa.gov\">Swati Patel<\/a> to share how NASA\u2019s Space Technology Mission Directorate has supported your technology!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-social-media grid-container grid-container-block nasa-gb-align- width-full maxw-full margin-y-0 padding-y-5 padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-0 font-weight-bold hds-module wp-block-nasa-blocks-social-media-links\">\t\t<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center padding-y-1\" id=\"social-facebook\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"circle-4 minw-4 display-flex flex-align-center flex-justify-center\" style=\"background-color: #4267B2;\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" 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750.218L842.672 1226.37H1200L714.137 519.284H714.163ZM569.165 687.828L521.697 619.934L144.011 79.6944H306.615L611.412 515.685L658.88 583.579L1055.08 1150.3H892.476L569.165 687.854V687.828Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-social-media-items padding-left-2\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" class=\"margin-right-2\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NASA_Technology\" aria-label=\"Go to @NASA_Technology on twitter\">@NASA_Technology<\/a>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-topic-cards nasa-gb-align-full maxw-full width-full padding-y-6 padding-x-3 color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-topic-cards\">\t\t<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block-lg padding-x-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center margin-bottom-3\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"desktop:grid-col-8 margin-bottom-2 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"label color-carbon-60 margin-bottom-2\">Keep Exploring<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-36 line-height-sm\">Discover More Topics From NASA<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row grid-gap-2 hds-topic-cards-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/space-technology-mission-directorate\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Space Technology Mission Directorate<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"525\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/stmd.jpg?w=525\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/stmd.jpg 525w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/stmd.jpg?resize=197,300 197w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/stmd.jpg?resize=263,400 263w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/stmd.jpg?resize=394,600 394w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/tdm\/terrain-relative-navigation-trn\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Terrain Relative Navigation\u00a0\u00a0(TRN)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"471\" height=\"264\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/trn_0.gif?w=471\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/stmd-game-changing-development\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Game Changing Development<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lsii-isru-primedrill-v1.png?w=1536\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lsii-isru-primedrill-v1.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lsii-isru-primedrill-v1.png?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lsii-isru-primedrill-v1.png?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lsii-isru-primedrill-v1.png?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lsii-isru-primedrill-v1.png?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lsii-isru-primedrill-v1.png?resize=400,225 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lsii-isru-primedrill-v1.png?resize=600,338 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lsii-isru-primedrill-v1.png?resize=900,506 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lsii-isru-primedrill-v1.png?resize=1200,675 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/safe-and-precise-landing-integrated-capabilities-evolution-splice\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Safe and Precise Landing \u2013 Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/splice_web_image_4_final.jpg?w=1536\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/splice_web_image_4_final.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/splice_web_image_4_final.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/splice_web_image_4_final.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/splice_web_image_4_final.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/splice_web_image_4_final.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/splice_web_image_4_final.jpg?resize=400,225 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/splice_web_image_4_final.jpg?resize=600,338 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/splice_web_image_4_final.jpg?resize=900,506 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/splice_web_image_4_final.jpg?resize=1200,675 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-0 article_a hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-credits-and-details\">\n<section class=\"padding-x-0 padding-top-5 padding-bottom-2 desktop:padding-top-7 desktop:padding-bottom-9\">\n\t<div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0\">\n\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-2 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Share<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"social-icons social-icons-round\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-x\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/tweet?via=NASA&text=Impact%20Story%3A%20Terrain%20Relative%20Navigation&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasa.gov%2Fdirectorates%2Fstmd%2Fimpact-story-terrain-relative-navigation%2F\" aria-label=\"Share on X.\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"1200\" height=\"1227\" 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class=\"grid-row margin-bottom-3\"><div class=\"grid-col-4\"><div class=\"subheading\">Contact<\/div><\/div><div class=\"grid-col-8\"><div class=\"margin-bottom-3\"><div>Swati Patel<\/div><div><a href=\"mailto:swati.h.patel@nasa.gov\">swati.h.patel@nasa.gov<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\"><div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black \"><div class=\"margin-bottom-2\"><h2 class=\"heading-14\">Related Terms<\/h2><\/div><ul class=\"article-tags\"><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/space-technology-mission-directorate\/\">Space Technology Mission Directorate<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/stmd-flight-opportunities\/\">Flight Opportunities Program<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/stmd-game-changing-development\/\">Game Changing Development Program<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Touchdown On Rocky New Worlds What Is An Impact Story? NASA\u2019s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) develops technologies through a community of entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators to solve the nation\u2019s toughest challenges and enable future NASA and commercial missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Each impact story summarizes an STMD-enabled technology\u2019s complex journey from [...]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":145637,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"66","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":["297759"],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[2879,3333,3334],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[9529],"coauthors":[11765],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Impact Story: Terrain Relative Navigation","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/stmd\/impact-story-terrain-relative-navigation\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/stmd\/impact-story-terrain-relative-navigation\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg"},"articleSection":"NASA Directorates","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Swati Patel"}],"creator":["Swati Patel"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NASA","logo":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo.svg"},"keywords":["NASA Directorates","Space Technology Mission Directorate","Game Changing Development Program","Flight Opportunities Program"],"dateCreated":"2022-09-30T23:30:00Z","datePublished":"2022-09-30T23:30:00Z","dateModified":"2023-10-27T19:16:37Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"Impact Story: Terrain Relative Navigation\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/stmd\/impact-story-terrain-relative-navigation\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2022-09-30T23:30:00Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"NASA Directorates\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"NASA Directorates,Space Technology Mission Directorate,Game Changing Development Program,Flight Opportunities Program\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"Swati Patel\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":9,"time_ago":"2 years","featured_image":{"id":145637,"file":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/astrobotic_1.jpeg","title":"astrobotic_1","alt":"Two people working on astrobotics.","caption":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140728"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=140728"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140728\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":557571,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140728\/revisions\/557571"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/145637"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=140728"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=140728"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=140728"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=140728"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=140728"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}