The Optical Moon Proximity Sensor (OMPS) is a space-flight-qualified laser-based Altimetry and Velocimetry sensor that provides a real-time line of sight range and velocity information to the spacecraft during the descent and landing phases of the mission. Four independent optical heads distributed around the spacecraft allow the sensor to report range and velocity information from 5 km down to the surface.  

 

The sensor has prior space mission pedigree dating back to 2019 when it was first integrated and flown on the SpaceIL Beresheet unmanned lunar lander and successfully provided real-time range and velocity data down to the lunar surface. The sensor has been installed and flown on Blue Origin’s New Shepard reusable suborbital rocket system. It is designed into a larger lunar lander as the primary descent and landing sensor and is scheduled for a 2025 launch.