Shroud debris modeling techniques for IR sensors in space

Anton VanderWyst; David G. Jenkins; Anees Ahmad

doi:10.1117/12.740166

17 September 2007 Shroud debris modeling techniques for IR sensors in space

Anton VanderWyst, David G. Jenkins, Anees Ahmad

Proceedings Volume 6665, New Developments in Optomechanics; 66650R (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.740166
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Space-based surveillance sensors are covered by a shroud to protect the delicate optics from adverse environments (aerothermal heating and contamination) during hypersonic flight through the atmosphere. Once the sensor payload reaches a safe altitude, the shroud is deployed and then sensor operation begins. When the pyrotechnic actuators are fired to deploy the shroud or nosecone, large and microscopic particles are dislodged. The source of these particles is the charred thermal protection insulation material on outer surface of the shroud, and particulate contaminants deposited on the inside surface of shroud and on sensor components during assembly process. These dislodged particles can end up within the sensor field of view (FOV), and remain there for extended periods of time, with the duration depending on the air density and vehicle velocity. These undesirable particles within the sensor FOV can degrade infrared sensor performance in several ways. These particles can cause obscuration, scattering and produce spurious thermal signature, thus making it difficult to image the objects of interest. This paper presents the aeromodeling techniques used to estimate the number and size of particles, and the duration these particles can stay within the sensor FOV. This information can then be used to predict the resulting degradation in sensor performance.

Citation Download Citation

Anton VanderWyst, David G. Jenkins, and Anees Ahmad "Shroud debris modeling techniques for IR sensors in space", Proc. SPIE 6665, New Developments in Optomechanics, 66650R (17 September 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.740166

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