Space borne overhead non-imaging (non-focusing) infrared (ONIR) sensors require on-orbit calibration to
validate performance of sensor payloads. Typically this is accomplished by the use of ground based
observations including laser illumination of the calibrated sensor. This provides a-priori knowledge of the
laser characteristics and atmospheric propagation thereby providing the sensor operators a method for
deducing the true system level performance. Of concern is the need to avoid laser illumination of other
satellites to prevent inadvertent damage or temporary mission degradation. The complex predictive
avoidance process is necessarily bureaucratic and time-consuming due to the need to entertain the interests
of multiple stakeholders. Herein is described a method for mutual calibration of co-orbital ONIR sensors by
use of incoherent off-board illumination of a sample with known spectral reflectivity. The method will not
involve laser illumination, will be less threatening to neighboring spacecraft, and will not require predictive
avoidance processes.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.