INFRARED IMAGING IN THE 10-12.6 MICRON BAND FROM A SYNCHRONOUS ALTITUDE EARTH SATELLITE.
Abstract
Infrared imaging of the earth's cloud cover from a satellite would permit determination of cloud height. This report describes what is felt to be an optimum state-of-the-art system design, detector, and cooler for an infrared imaging radiometer. This system consists of a HgCdTe quantum detector imaging in the 10 to 12.6 micron region from a gravity-gradient-stabilized satellite. In a synchronous-orbiting satellite this system could have a spatial resolution of 5 n. miles and a thermal resolution of 3K for a scene temperature of 200K. The selection of the 10 to 12.6 micron band is most appropriate from the standpoint of maximum available energy, as well as that of available atmospheric 'window' and adequate image contrast. Analysis of detector cooling indicates that passive cooling would not be sufficient for the projected mission and that, therefore, the coolers should be mounted on steering frames or a sun shade system should be used. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0663265
Entities
People
- D. K. Anand
- F. W. Schenkel
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory