Scene Projection Developments in the AEDC Space Simulation Chambers

摘要

Testing system performance early and often under flight conditions is fundamental to managing uncertainty in system performance predictions and reducing system life-cycle cost. As a Department of Defense (DoD) Major Range Test Facility Base (MRTFB), Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) strives to ensure that DoD system performance tests are not limited by test and evaluation capabilities. For over 30 years, the space chambers at AEDC have performed space sensor characterization, calibration, and mission simulation testing on space-based, interceptor, and air-borne sensors. In partnership with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), AEDC continuously pursues capability upgrades in order to keep pace with evolving sensor technologies. Upgrades to sensor test facilities require rigorous facility characterization and calibration efforts, all of which are routinely included in AEDC's annual activities to ensure quality test data. This paper discusses the status of such upgrades especially with regard to scene projection.