Title of Paper: A second generation multi-angle imager
Principal Author: Mr. Graham Bothwell
Abstract: The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR)
has been in Earth orbit since December 1999 on NASA's Terra spacecraft, and is
provides new ways of looking at the Earth's atmosphere, clouds, and surface,
for purposes of understanding Earth's ecology, environment, and climate. To
facilitate the potential future continuation of MISR's multi-angle
observations, a study was undertaken in 1999 and 2000 under ESTO's Instrument
Incubator Program to investigate and demonstrate the feasibility of a successor
to MISR that will have greatly reduced size and mass.
The kernel of the program was the design, construction, and testing of a
highly miniaturized camera, one of the nine that would probably be used on a
future spaceborne MISR-like instrument. This demonstrated that the size and
mass reduction of the optical system and camera electronics are possible, and
that filters can be assembled to meet the miniaturized packaging requirements.
An innovative reflective optics design was used, enabling the wave length range
to be extended into the shortwave infrared. This was the smallest
all-reflective camera ever produced by the contractor.
A study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of implementing nine
(multi-angle) cameras within a single structure. This resulted in several
possible configurations. It would also be possible to incorporate one of the
cameras into an airborne instrument.