Autonomous Precision Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology (ALHAT) Project Status as of May 2010

This paper includes the current status of NASA’s Autonomous precision Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology (ALHAT) Project. The ALHAT team has completed several flight tests and two major design analysis cycles. These tests and analyses examine terrain relative navigation sensors, hazard detection and avoidance sensors and algorithms, hazard relative navigation algorithms, and the guidance and navigation system employing these ALHAT functions. The next flight test is scheduled for July 2010. The paper contains results from completed flight tests and analysis cycles. ALHAT system status, upcoming tests and analyses are also addressed. The current ALHAT plans as of May 2010 are discussed. Applications of the ALHAT system for landing on planetary bodies other than the Moon are also included.