Abstract
Given constraints in budget and time we present an approach to smallsat calibration that meets the needs of the minimal requirements and trade offs for mission success. The efficacy is presented in terms of a case study involving a mission critical component. The satellite constellation consists of mostly COTS tools such as the camera and telescope with the ability to host various sensors in the future. The camera in our use case was lab calibrated at the factory for ambient conditions yet will be in a spaceborne payload. This aspect among others introduces new challenges for calibration. We will present our methodology and timeline as well as the results. The need for agility will be presented as our use case demanded redirects due to our initial findings in a staged process.
Manuscript
Calibration Considerations for a Reduced-timeline Optimized Approach for VNIR Earth Orbiting Satellites
Given constraints in budget and time we present an approach to smallsat calibration that meets the needs of the minimal requirements and trade offs for mission success. The efficacy is presented in terms of a case study involving a mission critical component. The satellite constellation consists of mostly COTS tools such as the camera and telescope with the ability to host various sensors in the future. The camera in our use case was lab calibrated at the factory for ambient conditions yet will be in a spaceborne payload. This aspect among others introduces new challenges for calibration. We will present our methodology and timeline as well as the results. The need for agility will be presented as our use case demanded redirects due to our initial findings in a staged process.