Processing ground-based near-infrared imagery of space shuttle re-entries

Spisz, Thomas S.; Kennerly, Stephen W.; Osei-Wusu, Kwame; Gibson, D. M.; Horvath, Thomas J.; Zalameda, Joseph N.; Kerns, Robert V.; Shea, Edward J.; Mercer, C. David; Schwartz, R. J.; Dantowitz, Ronald F.; Kozubal, Marek J.

doi:10.1117/12.919232

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…These experiments focused mainly on two aspects: TIR imaging of the space transportation system (STS) and radiative heating of sample return capsules (SRC). For instance, NASA carried out a series of hypersonic thermodynamic IR measurements (HYTHIRM) that relied on aerial and ground-based infrared imaging systems [15,16]. The infrared images were used to determine the surface temperature distribution on the viewable windward surface of the shuttle orbiter.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Infrared Optical Observability of an Earth Entry Orbital Test Vehicle Using Ground-Based Remote Sensors

et al. 2019

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Optical design parameters for a ground-based infrared sensor rely strongly on the target’s optical radiation properties. Infrared (IR) optical observability and imaging simulations of an Earth entry vehicle were evaluated using a comprehensive numerical model. Based on a ground-based IR detection system, this model considered many physical mechanisms including thermochemical nonequilibrium reacting flow, radiative properties, optical propagation, detection range, atmospheric transmittance, and imaging processes. An orbital test vehicle (OTV) was selected as the research object for analysis of its observability using a ground-based infrared system. IR radiance contours, maximum detecting range (MDR), and thermal infrared (TIR) pixel arrangement were modeled. The results show that the distribution of IR radiance is strongly dependent on the angle of observation and the spectral band. Several special phenomena, including a strong receiving region (SRR), a characteristic attitude, a blind zone, and an equivalent zone, are all found in the varying altitude MDR distributions of mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) and long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) irradiances. In addition, the possible increase in detectivity can greatly improve the MDR at high altitudes, especially for the backward and forward views. The difference in the peak radiance of the LWIR images is within one order of magnitude, but the difference in that of the MWIR images varies greatly. Analyses and results indicate that this model can provide guidance in the design of remote ground-based detection systems.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Infrared Optical Observability of an Earth Entry Orbital Test Vehicle Using Ground-Based Remote Sensors

et al. 2019

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Small-target judging method based on the effective image pixels for measuring infrared radiation characteristics

Wang¹,

Cheng²,

Si³

2020

Appl. Opt.

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When measuring infrared radiation characteristics, it is necessary to judge whether the target is a small target or a surface target. This paper proposes a judging method based on the effective imaging pixels of the target that takes into account the influence of the diffusing effect of the imaging system as well as that of the signal-to-noise ratio on the imaging process. The method employs a discrete imaging process model to simulate images of small targets and implements an algorithm for estimating the effective imaging pixels. Characteristic curves for judgment are obtained, and judgment criteria are, in turn, established based on the definition of a threshold number of effective imaging pixels. Targets with a number of effective imaging pixels less than this threshold are defined as small targets. Experimental results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.

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Trajectory Estimation of the Hayabusa Spacecraft During Atmospheric Disintegration

Shoemaker

Ha²,

Abe

et al. 2013

Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets

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Processing ground-based near-infrared imagery of space shuttle re-entries

Cited by 3 publications

References 0 publications

Infrared Optical Observability of an Earth Entry Orbital Test Vehicle Using Ground-Based Remote Sensors

Infrared Optical Observability of an Earth Entry Orbital Test Vehicle Using Ground-Based Remote Sensors

Small-target judging method based on the effective image pixels for measuring infrared radiation characteristics

Trajectory Estimation of the Hayabusa Spacecraft During Atmospheric Disintegration

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