MSTI-3 Science Objectives

MSTI-3 is a Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) experiment to be launched on a Pegasus booster in the winter of 1994/1995. It is the first of the MSTI satellites with the primary objectives being science-driven and is a good example of the science which can be done from a small satellite in low earth orbit. A Science Working Group has been organized to define the payload requirements and to set the observation plans. Provided here is an overview of the science objectives which include SWIR and MWIR background clutter characterization; monocular and stereo track of boosting and nonboosting targets; environmental and ecological monitoring; innovative neural network approaches to on-orbit nonuniformity focal plane array corrections; advanced filter designs; and monocular passive ranging. In addition, the utility of the data to DoD and non-DoD scientists will be highlighted and the process of obtaining the data described. If successful, MSTI-3 will demonstrate the incredible capability small satellites have for quickly and relatively inexpensively addressing some of the outstanding science issues confronting both the military and civilian remote sensing communities.