Advanced Scientific Concepts' DragonEye 3D Flash LIDAR Space Camera™ Launched on Last Discovery Mission

SANTA BARBARA, CA, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ - Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc. (ASC), the leading supplier of 3D Flash LIDAR cameras (3D FLC), proudly announces the launch of its DragonEye 3D FLC on the final flight of Discovery.

The lightweight, small form factor DragonEye integrated 3D FLC is being tested as a part of the DTO 701B payload.  Capable of capturing a full array of 128x128 independently triggered 3D range pixels per frame up to 30 frames per second in real-time, the DragonEye is designed to be used for Automated Rendezvous and Docking (AR&D) and possible On-orbit Satellite Servicing (OSS).  Tested on NASA's STS-127 Endeavour orbiter and mounted on the STS-133 Discovery for additional tests, this same 3D sensor engine is used by NASA Langley Research Center as the core 3D sensor for Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance (ALHAT) efforts.

As the first 3D FLC in space, the non-mechanical DragonEye boasts ASC's leading-edge technology advantages, including its Class I eye-safe lasers for illumination, real-time imaging without motion distortion to provide real-time input for guidance, navigation and control (GNC) systems. 

ASC 3D FLC systems can be found in a wide range of applications, including Automotive, Defense, Surveillance, Robotics and Aviation.  ASC's patented, unique technology brings tremendous value to space-based applications.

"ASC has worked with NASA Langley, Johnson, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and commercial companies such as SpaceX and Ball Aerospace for many years, creating and enhancing a non-scanning 3D capture technology for space. We are confident this test run will be the final before the DragonEye is regularly deployed for AR&D solutions," said Dr. Roger Stettner, President and CEO of ASC.  "The DragonEye 3D Flash LIDAR camera allows new solutions for space, making unmanned or manned autonomous rendezvous, docking and landing a reality."

About ASC:

Founded in 1987 and based in Santa Barbara, California, Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc. develops leading-edge 3D sensors technology and cameras.  With a wide range of customers from NASA to DoD to commercial companies, ASC's proven technology and solutions provide the foundation for automated 3D applications from mobile vehicles in air, space or on the ground, to 3D videos for mapping, surveillance, games or movies.  The real-time 3D video images and streams can be captured from 5cm to 5km with various fields of view.  Visit www.asc3d.com for more information.

SOURCE Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.