The Space Thermal Signature Model: Principles And Applications

John A. D'Agostino

doi:10.1117/12.940526

16 September 1987 The Space Thermal Signature Model: Principles And Applications

John A. D'Agostino

Proceedings Volume 0781, Infrared Image Processing and Enhancement; (1987) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.940526
Event: 1987 Technical Symposium Southeast on Optics, Electro-Optics, and Sensors, 1987, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The SPACE (Sun, Precipitation, Atmosphere, Clouds, Earth) Thermal Signature Model has been developed by XonTech as a tool to be used in the accurate prediction of military thermal signatures. Currently this model has been optimized to address 8-12 micrometer signatures of armored ground targets in natural background settings. With somewhat lesser accuracy the current model design can address the 3-5 micrometer spectral region. With some model modifications, air and space targets could be addressed. The model is based entirely on first principles with respect to the thermal signature components induced by the natural environment. However, self-heating effects such as those caused by a tank engine or by friction require empirical input data which must be derived from pre-existing thermal measurements. The SPACE model has been programmed in compiled Microsoft BASIC to run on PC-compatible computers. Some generic target and background descriptions are part of the model ensemble. The development of additional descriptive data bases to cover specific target/background scenarios is possible using related utility software which has been developed for this purpose. The SPACE model is currently being used both by Government and industry to support model comparison studies, the prediction of target-to-background thermal contrast signatures, and the generation of synthetic infrared thermal imagery. It is the purpose of this paper to provide a brief tutorial on the modeling principles behind SPACE, a description of the SPACE software architecture and operation, and some example problems.

Citation Download Citation

John A. D'Agostino "The Space Thermal Signature Model: Principles And Applications", Proc. SPIE 0781, Infrared Image Processing and Enhancement, (16 September 1987); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.940526

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