Infrared Sensor Design for Geosynchronous Antisatellite Vehicles.
Abstract
The maximum distance from which a possible antisatellite sensor can reliably detect its target was investigated based upon the celestial background radiation at a wavelength of 11 microns. A sensor design was postulated and assessed with various background conditions. The analysis was first conducted using the Walker Sky Model to estimate the amount of infrared background radiance from stellar sources. Then this estimate was compared with cataloged observations for the Air Force Geophysics Lab catalog and preliminary data from the Infrared Astronomical Telescope. In addition, the amount of infrared radiation from asteroids ad zodiacal light particles was also considered. The results of the analysis indicates that for a sensor using a single detector, a spinning reticle, and optics 20 centimeters in diameter, the maximum range that a one square meter target can be detected reliably is between 1300 and 2300 kilometers. However, more investigations into the infrared stellar and zodiacal light background are needed as the currently available data is incomplete. (Thesis).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA182594
Entities
People
- Jeffery G. Horne
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology