Variable Size, Repeatedly Deployable, Ultra-lightweight, Space Structures for EO, IR, RF Calibration Sources

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop a calibration source/target system that can fabricate and deploy in space extremely lightweight targets with good radar and optical characteristics.  The system will be capable of deploying single or multiple targets whose size can be varied from tens of centimeters to a few meters diameter depending on the need.  In Phase I we will develop and test apparatus for fabricating small scale calibration targets (sources) in vacuum, fabricate the targets in the laboratory, and measure their properties over a range of wavelengths in the optical to microwave regions of interest to the Space Object System Identification (SOSI) sensor system.  These measurements will be used in a model which will be developed to predict the signatures produced by the SOSI sensor suite.  The model will then be used to define the required calibration target parameters such as size, optical characteristics, sequence of operations, etc.  These results will in turn be used to develop design concepts and parameters for the in-space calibration target fabrication system.  In Phase II we will develop protoflight hardware for integration and launch on a space mission, followed by space validation testing in Phase III. BENEFIT: A successful demonstration of the proposed technology will provide AF and other DoD components (MDA, NRO) with a unique capability for deploying polymorphic targets from spacecraft to serve as calibration sources.  The technology also has applications for the Air Forces Responsive Space missions.  Other applications include ultra-lightweight antennas, radiators, space optics and solar concentrators for military and commercial spacecraft systems.