Responsive, Pre-launch and On-orbit, Electro-Optical Sensor Characterization and Calibration

ABSTRACT: Space Computer Corporation (SCC) proposes to address two challenging problems that arise in the operation of space-based electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems: (a) On-orbit refinement and maintenance of sensor calibration, and (b) Accurate geo-location of terrestrial imagery acquired from a space platform. Our approach addresses both key areas identified in the SBIR topic solicitation by leveraging novel scene-based algorithms for which we developed proof-of-concept examples and processes during the Phase I program. These concepts have the potential to be automated in on-board processor hardware. Successful development of these methods for space-based remote sensing applications would significantly reduce the timescales required to provide high-fidelity, precisely located image products from sensors deployed for Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) missions. The proof-of-concept methods developed under the Phase I program were applied to surrogate airborne data as well as ARTEMIS imagery. These methods are adaptable beyond hyperspectral imagers to other imaging modalities including push broom, whisk broom, staring, step stare, and other types of imagers. The additional modalities will be developed under the Phase II program. A stand-alone prototype implementation will be built to demonstrate the performance. An embeddable prototype will also be developed to demonstrate maturity and flight readiness of the software. BENEFIT: Successful development of these methods for space-based remote sensing applications would significantly reduce the timescales required to provide high-fidelity, precisely located image products from sensors deployed for Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) missions. Automated methods for precision pointing and geo-location calibrations is also directly applicable to existing sensor systems, such as SPIRITT, HYCAS, and COMPASS, as well as those under development, such as ACES-HY. Scene-based radiometric calibration would also apply to these and other sensors. We anticipate that future space-based images, including potential flight experiments will make use of the investment by the Air Force into this technology. In addition to addressing pressing needs for DoD applications, commercial use of space-based imagery for GIS applications would also present a transition opportunity for the technology developed under this SBIR program. We anticipate that our product will be useful to commercial imagery providers for both space-based and airborne imagers. The commercial approach is to provide the tools and services to the sensor providers as opposed to consumers of the imagery. The technology and software may be sold or licensed to these providers under our commercialization plan.