LiDAR in SpaceX Dragon Docking to ISS

May 27, 2012
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Updated February 9, 2026
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1 min read

It was a BIG day in space Friday when the private company Space X was successful at docking their first space vehicle with the International Space Station. What was one of the key technologies used in the maneuver – you guessed it LIDAR.

NASA reported that the “Crew used Laser Instrument Distance and Range (LIDAR) to determine the Dragon range (2780 meters) once Dragon crossed the R-Bar. Crew powered off the Dragon Strobe light via CCP at the end of Fly By demo. Dragon navigational system also functioned successfully.”

Congratulations to all.

 

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Gene Roe - founder of Lidar News

Phoenix Lidar Systems

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