High Fidelity Airborne Imaging System for Remote Observation of Space Launch/Reentry Systems

The utility of airborne remote observation of hypersonic reentry vehicles was demonstrated by the NASA Hypersonic Thermodynamic Infrared Measurement (HYTHIRM) project. High spatial resolution infrared imagery was collected using available technology manned aircraft. This IR imagery was used to infer surface temperature and boundary layer transition. To increase effectiveness of the data collection, an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) platform is desired. The ideal platform would entail a "smart sensor payload" with the UAV designed around it. Developing such a system will require technological advances in several disciplines.In Phase-I system performance requirements will be established based on desired science objectives. Current state of the art technology will be utilized to define a baseline UAV and assess technology gaps and areas where technological advancement is most effective. A light weight, narrow field of view multispectral / hyperspectral imaging system a is key area of where innovative development is required. A hardware / software flight demonstration will be designed for execution during Phase-II.