Programmable Infrared Scene Projector for On-Payload Sensor Characterization, Calibration and Testing

Over the last two years, Nova Sensors has developed the next generation of Read-In Integrated Circuits (RIICs) for the Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) infrared scene projection (IRSP) community. The RIICs provide very high power to each pixel and offer higher frame rates than are currently available by any supplier. Nova Sensors proposes the use of such a device in an on-orbit assembly that provides a means for digitally stimulating the complete video signal chain for an infrared space-based infrared imaging system; the resulting system may be used for on-orbit radiometric and pointing calibration and provides an unprecedented means for providing “ground truth” data on orbit for autonomous algorithm check-out. The high power capability of the RIIC is the key. It overcomes thermal losses to atmosphere and substrate (for ground testing) and is thus able to project in ambient air. No vacuum dewar or suspended bridge structure is required. Nova has completed a 256x256 (NOVA-012) version and the 512x512 design is currently in fabrication. A 1024x1024 device is starting fabrication as well. This proposal reviews the devices and means by which such an on-payload IRSP subsystem may be incorporated into the optical system of a space-based infrared imaging system. BENEFIT: Operational testing and calibration of a complete space-based infrared imaging system is difficult and time consuming, requiring many labor intensive hours of ground support; making sense of space-based operation of the system adds complication. Nova’s approach of incorporating an actual digitally-addressable infrared scene projection device will revolutionize the means by which complex imaging systems are characterized, both on the ground and on orbit.