On Board Optics Required to Support Space Based Radiometer (SEASIS) with Characteristics Compatible with the NASA Portable Ground Based Atmospheric Monitoring System (PGAMS)

摘要

The research performed was to determine what suite of on board optics would be required to support a space based radiometer with characteristics compatible with the NASA Portable Ground Based Atmospheric Monitoring System (PGAMS). This microsatellite based capability will be a very low cost method of obtaining early data to enable the NASA scientist involved to develop a new and innovative atmospheric corrections technique. This technique will be used in the analysis of surface imagery covering the visible and near-infrared spectral regions. The research included telephoto lens and filter systems, SEASIS (Space Earth Atmosphere and Space Imaging System)/PGAMS studies, SEASIS filter selection, SEASIS optical design, and filter wheel implementation into the telephoto imaging system of SEASIS. The goal regarding the telephoto lens and filter system was to find the optimal lens and filters that would constitute a space based analog to the PGAMS ground based system. The lens was modified and tested for its viability for survival in a space environment. The lens system and filters were integrated into the SEASIS imaging system. The PGAMS, in conjunction with SEASIS, will obtain data sets sufficient for calibration and validation of atmospheric correction algorithms. It is widely accepted that atmospheric corrections are more accurate when atmospheric optical parameters are measured as close as possible to the time that a remote sensing image is taken. PGAMS integrates the best available equipment to ensure that a comprehensive set of ground measurements are taken at the same time an overflying sensor, such as SEASIS, is collecting data.