Space flight qualification on a novel five-fiber array assembly for the lunar orbiter laser altimeter (LOLA) at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Abstract

A novel multi-mode 5-fiber array assembly was developed, manufactured, characterized and then qualified for the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA). LOLA is a science data gathering instrument used for lunar topographical mapping located aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission. This LRO mission is scheduled for launch sometime in late 2008. The fiber portion of the array assembly was comprised of step index 200/220μm multi-mode optical fiber with a numerical aperture of 0.22. Construction consisted of five fibers inside of a single polarization maintaining (PM) Diamond AVIM connector. The PM construction allows for a unique capability allowing the array side to be "clocked" to a desired angle of degree. The array side "fans-out" to five individual standard Diamond AVIM connectors. In turn, each of the individual standard AVIM connectors is then connected to five separate detectors. The qualification test plan was designed to best replicate the aging process during launch and long term space flight environmental exposure. The characterization data presented here includes results from: vibration testing, thermal performance characterization, and radiation testing.