Optimization of earth sensor thresholding techniques

Lockheed Missiles & Space Company (LMSC) has developed a high accuracy, synchronous orbit earth sensor with large off-axis pointing capability. For this new design, the sensor operation was analyzed, varying each parameter as part of the optimization. The analysis simulated operation from the earth model through sensor output, with the optimization accounting for: earth radiance variations (latitude and season); scan geometry; and all electronic parameters. The effect on the trade-offs between system noise and seasonal radiance errors for each parameter is discussed. The final results, verified by test, are presented.