Prototype Design for a Lunar Lander High Resolution Stereo Camera

Abstract

Traditional stereo cameras used in terrestrial exploration, particularly on rovers, typically rely on binocular optical designs that are large, bulky, and often include moving parts. This thesis presents a design concept for a breadboard prototype which is developed and built using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. This allows for rapid prototyping, cost-effective testing, and performance evaluation under simulated mission conditions. By utilizing a single-detector stereo vision, the system can effectively create 3D reconstructions of observed object with a spatial resolution of 54 µm/px,and depth resolution of <1 mm/px, enabling precise depth mapping. The optical performance and its scientific applications were validated with experiments such as the resolution test, shape measurement, static angle of repose and relative albedo measurements. The stereo camera developed in this project demonstrates capabilities for high-resolution, in-situ lunar surface analysis based on regolith characterization. Overall, the camera’s design balances compactness with performance, overcoming challenges related to baseline constraints, environmental exposure, and computational efficiency faced by conventional stereo cameras. This imaging system offers a valuable tool for future lunar lander and rover missions, supporting in-depth scientific investigations.