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

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 proposed approach will address both key areas identified in the SBIR topic solicitation by leveraging novel scene-based algorithms and operational concepts that have been previously demonstrated for ground-based and airborne imaging systems, and 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. As the provider of the on-board sensor processor software for the recently launched TACSAT-3 ARTEMIS payload, SCC is in a unique position to address these critical issues based on our experience with real-world EO imagery acquired from a spacecraft platform, plus our first-hand knowledge of on-board data processing capabilities and constraints. 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. 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.