Infrared sensors and electronics for NASA satellite program

Citation

(2005), "Infrared sensors and electronics for NASA satellite program", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 77 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2005.12777dad.007

Infrared sensors and electronics for NASA satellite program

Infrared sensors and electronics for NASA satellite program

Keywords: Sensors, Space technology

DRS Technologies, Inc. recently announced that it received a new contract to develop and deliver advanced infrared sensor modules supporting the Wide-field Infrared Survey Experiment (WISE) mission of the NASA Medium Explorer program. The program will provide a complete stellar infrared map that is more than 1,000 times more detailed than previous surveys.

The $5.4 million contract was awarded to DRS by the Space Dynamics Laboratory of the Utah State University Research Foundation in North Logan, Utah. For this award, DRS will design and deliver short wavelength infrared (SWIR) and very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR) focal plane array (FPA) sensor modules, as well as accompanying readout electronics. Work for this order will be accomplished by the company’s DRS Sensors & Targeting Systems unit in Cypress, California.

“The receipt of this contract reflects DRS’s reputation as a leader in focal plane technology and reinforces our position as a major provider of sensors and assemblies for space-based missions”, said Fred L. Marion, President of DRS’s Surveillance & Reconnaissance Group. “Our sensors have a strong record of performance, operating on the most advanced satellite and space programs, and are a key component of the U.S. government’s space program”.

The FPA technology provided by DRS includes very low noise, large area 1024 × 1024-pixel (1 megapixel) Mercury Cadmium Telluride (HgCdTe) sensors tuned to detect SWIR energy and very low noise, large area VLWIR sensors using silicon blocked-impurity band (BIB) FPA technology. These BIB detectors are considered the premier choice in the mid-range infrared spectral region, offering excellent uniform responsiveness, reliable performance and low operating temperatures.

WISE is an unmanned satellite carrying an infrared-sensitive telescope that will capture images of the entire sky. It is a NASA-funded scientific research project expected to provide increased knowledge of the solar system, the Milky Way and the universe. The Space Dynamics Lab is providing the WISE science instrument, instrument integration and launch support. The WISE instrument is a cryogenically-cooled infrared telescope with four, high-resolution infrared bands covering 2.8-28.0 μm that will take overlapping snapshots of the entire sky. WISE is expected to launch at the end of 2007.

DRS provides advanced, high reliability FPAs for several significant US military and space programs and is a leading company in long-range, advanced infrared sighting and weapons systems technology.

Details available from: DRS Technologies. Web site: www.drs.com.