| Test Like You FlyAchieving a safe and precise landing on the Moon not only requires advanced software and sensors, but also rigorous testing that reflects real conditions the lander will face. We employ a “test like you fly” approach to verify every critical aspect of our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) system for descent and landing. Every component, from sensors to software, is exercised in flight-like environments so our systems perform as expected during the mission. The GNC system on Griffin-1 brings together several advanced technologies, including Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), LiDAR-based Hazard Detection & Avoidance (HDA), and Navigation Doppler LiDAR (NDL). These components must function together seamlessly to guide the spacecraft safely to the surface. To ensure this, we use three primary test platforms that together form a complete environment for system validation across hardware, software, and mission operations:The Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) platform is run continuously, and over 1,500 automated tests covering all mission phases are executed with every code change. This high-fidelity platform emulates spacecraft hardware and enables evaluation of the full GNC software stack using detailed models of lunar terrain, lighting, vehicle dynamics, thruster behavior, and sensor performance. A recent set of end-to-end descent and landing simulations explored variations in site topography, illumination, and initial vehicle state, providing statistical confidence in system robustness across a range of realistic lunar conditions.The Production Flatsat (PFS) includes engineering models of the flight avionics, sensors, and actuators, all interfaced with a real-time physics engine. We have increased the rigor of our system-in-the-loop testing by integrating flight-like mission operations procedures directly into these simulations. This enables us not only to test the lander’s software and hardware under nominal conditions, but also to simulate mission anomalies and stress scenarios.The Mobile Navigation Platform (MNP) further validates sensor performance in terrestrial environments informed by extensive field and flight testing. For example, MNP-based testing helped us ensure and validate time synchronization between sensors and software through integrated, closed-loop testing across platforms. |
| These tests validate the integrated accuracy of our sensors, navigation filters, hazard maps, and guidance algorithms under real-world constraints. As we move closer to launch, this comprehensive campaign continues to build confidence that Griffin-1’s systems are ready for the challenge of landing on the Moon. |
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| Figure above: Griffin-1 GNC Descent and Landing concept of operations |
| About Astrobotic Astrobotic is at the forefront of advancing space exploration and technology development. Our expertise spans from lunar spacecraft, navigation, and delivery to lunar infrastructure and suborbital rockets. To date, the company has been contracted for two lunar missions, and has won more than 60 NASA, DoD, and commercial technology contracts worth more than $650 million. Astrobotic recently launched and operated the first American lunar lander mission since the Apollo Program. Beyond helping lead America back to the Moon, the company develops and operates reusable vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) rockets and advanced rocket engines. Established in 2007, Astrobotic is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with a propulsion and test campus in Mojave, CA.www.astrobotic.com |
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