Space Background Study
Abstract
Research was continued on the development of the space background problem as faced by optical space defense systems operating in the infrared spectral region. Optical sensors for space applications must work in a background consisting of a multitude of point sources on the celestial sphere. This has presented a serious challenge to the designer to develop discrimination techniques for detecting essentially point targets against a stellar background. Further, the targets are relatively cold bodies (300 K) with most of their emitted energy concentrated in the far infrared. The aim is to locate and identify by theory and direct observation all thermal sources in space, stellar or otherwise, which will produce irradiances comparable to the irradiance from a relatively cold body at long range. For a preliminary measurement program, a new and improved stellar photometer was designed. Herein is described in detail the design of the optical-mechanical and electronic elements of the photometer system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 17, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0260263
Entities
People
- Charles Gramm
- William Haynie