Improved radiometric calibration of imaging systems (IRIS) full-spectrum onboard calibrator development for increased radiometric fidelity in small satellite imaging applications (Conference Presentation)

A NASA-ESTO SLI-T grant-funded effort for Improved Radiometric calibration of Imaging Systems (IRIS), was awarded to Raytheon and developed in partnership with LabSphere to address the demonstration of a compact, high-performance, full-spectrum VNIR-to-LWIR Jones source prototype calibrator for use in spaceborne payloads. The resulting IRIS calibrator system employs LEDs, SLDs, and an integrated blackbody source, and has been advanced to a performance-validated state. The IRIS system enables accurate entrance pupil aperture radiometric calibration of telescope-acquired imagery on-demand in wavelengths from <0.4microns to >13microns. This system is of particular value to small earth observing payloads that lack radiometric fidelity in their imagery, or that rely on infrequent non-contemporaneous vicarious methods for radiometric knowledge. IRIS calibrator test results are discussed, including a summary of tests and lessons-learned in fabrication of this small, lightweight integrated system, that when fielded will provide substantial value to SmallSat imaging payloads now and over the coming decades.