Design of a Low-Cost, Lightweight, Passively Cooled, Narrowband, SWIR Camera for Space-Based Imaging
Abstract
This document describes the conceptual design for a spaceborne imager operating in the short-wave infrared (SWIR). The instrument was designed to image a single emission line of OH from the night sky from a satellite in low Earth orbit, but much of the design is relevant to other imaging applications. The imager has a 23.40 FOV in the crosstrack direction with a resolution of 1.6 mrad. It functions like a line scanner but incorporates a two-dimensional (256 x 256) InGaAs focal-plane array (FPA) to attain high signal-to-noise. It employs a set of telecentric foreoptics to accommodate narrowband imaging, but a simpler design would serve for broadband measurements. It uses a small radiator to passively cool the FPA to <200K and direct radiation by the support assembly to reduce the temperature of the optics. A novel approach that accomplishes TDI (time, delay, integrate) off of the focal plane obviates the need for a step/stare mirror. The design has no moving parts, weighs less than 6 kg, and consumes less than 15 W of power.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 05, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA417112
Entities
People
- D. J. Mabry
- D. W. Warren
- J. H. Hecht
- M. G. Sivjee
- R. J. Rudy
- Y. Dotan
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation