Advanced Spectral Signature Models for Rocket Plumes

The design of space-based optical sensors for detection, identification, and tracking of threat missile launches relies heavily on plume signature simulation models. The development of very capable plume signature models traces back ~50 years. However, because of the complexity of the underlying physics and ever-increasing requirements for improved accuracy and speed, higher spatial resolution, and broader spectral coverage, there remain areas where existing models inadequately predict signatures of real systems. In Phase II, Spectral Sciences, Inc. will address these deficiencies by developing innovative, advanced, physics-based models for integration into the current and next-generation state-of-the-art plume signature codes. These include the legacy, SPURC, and next-generation, FLITES spectral simulation, and the high-altitude, SOCRATES-P, and low-altitude, RPFM, flow field codes. The advanced models include search light scattering, solar and earth shine scattering, photon trapping, long path atmospheric transmission, hard body plume shine reflection, upgraded molecular spectral models, and speed and accuracy improvements. The new simulation capabilities will be validated using existing, well characterized wind tunnel and field measurements of missile plume spectral signatures and imagery. Finally, the new models will be delivered to MDA for integration into its threat scenario modeling and simulation framework.