Space Based HyperVideo: Agile Broadband, Multi- Hyper-Spectral Imager

ABSTRACT: We are proposing to demonstrate a spectrally agile HyperVideo sensor that can be reconfigured on the fly to produce imagery comprised of broadband, multi-spectral, hyperspectral, or any combination thereof, in the SWIR/MWIR range. Imagery will be produced at full FPA spatial resolution (e.g., MPixels) at camera frame rates. Under Phase-I, we will use models to produce high fidelity signatures of known threat targets (e.g., three stage ICBM), with various backgrounds of Earth, clouds, clear sky, etc., including hardbody and plume signatures for boost phase and ascent, and reentry vehicle signatures for midcourse. The simulations will place the sensors in typical space surveillance and tracking orbits (similar to DSP and STSS / PTSS). The M & S will be used to predict radiance signal at the sensor aperture, and establish sensor operating and performance requirements. The sensor design will serve as a basis for a sensor model to check the sensor's capabilities in detection, identification, and characterization of the targets of interest, and to establish optimal sensor operations for the targets of interest. In P-I, we will demonstrate key aspects of the sensor in the lab. In P-II, we will build and deliver a full prototype. BENEFIT: While the proposed sensor will be designed for spaceborne service, OKSI will be able to use this sensor (once completed in Phase-II) in our BMDS work supporting the Navy Aegis and GMD live missile defense tests. We already operate a series of HyperVideo-class sensors (also called snapshot hyperspectral, or 4-Dimensional Imaging Spectrometer 4DIS) in support of live missile defense testing. The proposed sensor has major advantages compared with the present 4DIS sensors. With the permission of the Air Force, the new sensor (or a second prototype) could become a fixture in BMDS system testing on board HALO-I and ground based tracker-mounts. The sensor can also be used from ground to space (e.g., at AMOS) to improve space objects characterization. Similarly, the sensor is most appropriate for ground vehicle operations, for threat detection such as IEDs, and for the characterization of muzzle flash and gunfire detection. Examples of non-DoD applications include remote sensing for precision farming.