Test Methodology and Equipment for Radiation Hardened Interceptors

The NICSSim test-bed is a two-color sensor test chamber capable of testing infrared (IR) arrays in benign and ionizing radiation environments. In addition to the usual calibration capabilities, the chamber has the ability to provide end-to-end emulation of a sensor mission through the use of two dynamic scene displays, optical flash source and radiation sources. The chamber will be upgraded and used to test multiple sensor focal plane arrays (FPAs). The effort will lead to development of new test and verification strategies for modern IR sensors operating in adverse environments. A Facility User Guide will be developed for future use of the NICSSim capability. The facility online analysis tools offer rapid turnaround providing evaluation of sensors within a few weeks of testing. Approved for Public Release 19-MDA-10203 (4 Sep 19)