Earth-atmosphere-space simulator for testing horizon sensors

Vladimir Alperovich

doi:10.1117/12.211206

Abstract

Infrared horizon sensors are used for determining the orientation of satellites. These sensors usually operate on the principle of detecting the discontinuity in the infrared radiance at the limb. For calibration and testing of the horizon sensors under ground conditions, it is necessary to simulate the infrared horizon of the Earth. The simple, compact simulator described in this paper simulates the radiation of the Earth horizon and the shape of the radiance transition from space to Earth for the spectral range of the horizon sensor. This enables the sensor to be tested as a function of the altitude and orientation of the satellite. The simulator employs a spherical mirror; near its focal surface there are two radiating surfaces simulating space and Earth, respectively. Thermal contrast is obtained by controlling the temperature difference between the two surfaces. Calculated magnitudes of the spherical aberration of the mirror and disposition of the two radiating surfaces with respect to the spherical mirror are used for simulation of the radiance profile shape of the Earth horizon. This paper describes the structure of the simulator, the method of determination of its main parameters and experimental evaluation of the simulator characteristics.

Citation Download Citation

Vladimir Alperovich, Vladimir Alperovich, } "Earth-atmosphere-space simulator for testing horizon sensors", Proc. SPIE 2426, 9th Meeting on Optical Engineering in Israel, (6 June 1995); doi: 10.1117/12.211206; https://doi.org/10.1117/12.211206

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

PERSONAL SIGN IN
Full access may be available with your subscription

Email or Username Forgot your username?

Password Forgot your password?

Show

Remember Email/Username on this computer

Remember Password

No SPIE account? Create an account
or Institutional Sign In via Shibboleth

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $14.40

Non-members: $18.00 ADD TO CART

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years