optX Night Sky Characterization System

The DOD pursuit of night sky irradiance characterization measurements dates back to around the World War II timeframe as a precursor to the development of the first widely deployed military night vision devices. Since then more in-depth efforts were undertaken including those led by M. Vatsia and more recently R. Littleton. The Army has a renewed interest in continuing this critical research mission by developing a next generation high resolution, radiometrically calibrated, night sky irradiance measurement system. optX proses to develop and deliver a Night Sky Characterization Sensor to support development of future tactical imaging systems in the visible, NIR, SWIR and extended SWIR. Key aspects of this measurement system include high sensitivity while maintaining a high dynamic range from direct sunlight down to overcast starlight, covering several spectral bands as well as apparent temperature measurements of the atmosphere in the infrared spectral bands. The system will be deployable for long term data collections and rugged enough to survive shipping shock and vibe as well as being weatherproof withstanding wide temperature variations and the functionality to reset itself due to unpredicted hard power interruption.