Requirements validation testing on the 7 optical fiber array connector/cable assemblies for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)

In the past year, a unique capability has been created by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in support of Lunar Exploration. The photonics group along with support from the Mechanical Systems Division, developed a seven fiber array assembly using a custom Diamond AVIM PM connector for space flight applications. This technology enabled the Laser Ranging Application for the LRO to be possible. Laser pulses at 532 nm will be transmitted from the earth to the LRO stationed at the moon and used to make distance assessments. The pulses will be collected with the Laser Ranging telescope and focused into the array assemblies. The array assemblies span down a boom, through gimbals and across the space craft to the instrument the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA). Through use of a LOLA detector the distance between the LRO and the Earth will be calculated simultaneously while LOLA is mapping the surface of the moon. The seven fiber array assemblies were designed in partnership with W.L. Gore, Diamond Switzerland, and GSFC, manufactured by the Photonics Group at NASA Goddard Space Hight Center (GSFC) and tested for environmental effects there as well. Presented here are the requirements validation testing and results used to insure that these unique assemblies would function adequately during the Laser Ranging 14-month mission. The data and results include in-situ monitoring of the optical assemblies during cold gimbal motion life-testing, radiation, vibration and thermal testing.