The ERNST mission will demonstrate infrared detection and missile tracking capabilities with a 12U nanosatellite platform. ERNST will be launched into a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit.
The main payload of ERNST is a multispectral cryogenically-cooled infrared imager that was designed for missile early warning demonstration and measurement of the Earth‘s background radiation in the corresponding spectral range. The spectral sensitivity of the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) detector ranges from 2.5 µm to 5.0 µm. Six bandpass filters with a spectral width ranging between 100 and 500 nm are used to subdivide the spectral range of the detector into six narrow spectral ranges.
The payload is currently undergoing geometric as well as radiometric calibration. We expect that the images acquired by ERNST during the mission will provide valuable data for early warning research and scientific applications. This paper presents the multispectral MWIR imaging payload of ERNST.
Effective sensor technology for space based early warning and detection is a key component in the defense against immediate threats. These sensors have to be designed and optimized based on realistic infrared signatures of both, background (atmospheric, terrestrial) and rocket exhaust plume (or: ballistic missile exhaust plume). In both cases, the lack of observations causes the use of comprehensive simulation tools, either instead or in addition to ground measurement data. In the paper, we will present the preparatory investigations carried out for the conceptual design of an electro-optical (EO) payload based on a nanosatellite platform for the purpose of space-based early warning. Initially, this will comprise a description of the atmospheric simulation tool used at Fraunhofer IOSB, the application of those, and the assessment of detection and tracking algorithms. We will then give a short side note about ground measurement data. To conclude the paper, the experimental spacecraft based on nanosatellite technology (name: ERNST) will be introduced with a special focus on the EO payload designed by Fraunhofer EMI.
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