Integration and operation of a sUAS-based multi-modal imaging payload equipped with a novel communication system enabling autonomous platform control

Abstract

Oak Ridge National Laboratory presents a new UAS-mounted multi-modal imaging payload containing five sensors. We have integrated several distinct commercially available sensors onto a large Class-1 autonomous quadcopter aircraft: a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanner, a hyperspectral pushbroom sensor, a multispectral camera, a longwave infrared thermal camera, and an RGB camera. The system integrates our proprietary Multi-modal Autonomous Vehicle Network (MAVNet) and communication system, allowing autonomous control via multiple communication networks. Using one common Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and inertial navigation system (INS/GPS), imagery from all sensors are accurately and precisely geolocated and co-registered.