Techniques for Missile Defense

The addition of spectral imaging to several MDA sensors can improve their performance. Two examples are target discrimination for mid-course engagements and kill assessment for numerous engagements. The work under this program will develop a multi-spectral imaging sensor by integrating a micro machined diffractive optic lenslet array with dual band focal plane arrays to give as many as 32 or more different spectral images. The approach allows upgrades to current deployed MDA sensors with minimal intrusion to the system. This new approach will be developed into a prototype sensor during Phase II for proof of concept and allow for airborne tests during Phase III. Upon program completion we will have a prototype tunable spectral imager with demonstrated capability to measure the time/temperature profile of selective radiators in real time. This technology will be developed with a transition into MDA midcourse discrimination sensor in mind. At program completion the technology will be ready to move into a Phase III program with the MDA Ground Based Midcourse (GMD) program office. An understanding of the sensor development effort for GMD will be part of the Phase II effort so that the tunable spectral imager developed will be compatible with GMD’s current sensor technology.