A document discusses the focal-plane calibration of the Spitzer Space Telescope by use of the instrument pointing frame (IPF) Kalman filter, which was described in "Kalman Filter for Calibrating a Telescope Focal Plane" (NPO-40798), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 30, No. 9 (September 2006), page 62. To recapitulate: In the IPF Kalman filter, optimal estimates of both engineering and scientific focal-plane parameters are obtained simultaneously, using data taken in each focal-plane survey activity. The IPF Kalman filter offers greater efficiency and economy, relative to prior calibration practice in which scientific and engineering parameters were estimated by separate teams of scientists and engineers and iterated upon each other. In the Spitzer Space Telescope application, the IPF Kalman filter was used to calibrate 56 frames for precise telescope pointing, estimate >1,500 parameters associated with focal-plane mapping, and process calibration runs involving as many as 1,338 scientific image centroids. The final typical survey calibration accuracy was found to be 0.09 arc second. The use of the IPF Kalman filter enabled a team of only four analysts to complete the calibration processing in three months. An unanticipated benefit afforded by the IPF Kalman filter was the ability to monitor health and diagnose performance of the entire end-to-end telescope- pointing system.
This work was done by David Bayard, Bryan Kang, Paul Brugarolas, and Dhemetrio Boussalis of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Physical Sciences category.
The software used in this innovation is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Karina Edmonds of the California Institute of Technology at (626) 395-2322. Refer to NPO-41178.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Optimal Calibration of the Spitzer Space Telescope
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) concerning the "Optimal Calibration of the Spitzer Space Telescope," identified by NPO-41178. It is part of NASA Tech Briefs, which aim to disseminate aerospace-related developments with broader technological, scientific, or commercial applications.
The Spitzer Space Telescope, launched in 2003, has been instrumental in infrared astronomy, allowing scientists to observe celestial phenomena that are not visible in other wavelengths. The document discusses the importance of optimal calibration for the telescope, which is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. Calibration processes help to correct for various factors that can affect the quality of the observations, such as instrument sensitivity, temperature variations, and other environmental influences.
The Technical Support Package provides detailed documentation related to the calibration techniques and methodologies employed for the Spitzer Space Telescope. It emphasizes the significance of these calibration efforts in enhancing the telescope's performance and the quality of scientific data produced. The document is intended for use under the Commercial Technology Program of NASA, which seeks to promote the application of aerospace innovations in various fields.
Additionally, the document includes contact information for further assistance, specifically from the Innovative Technology Assets Management team at JPL. This team can provide additional insights and support regarding research and technology in the area of optimal calibration and other related topics.
The document also contains a notice regarding the liability and rights associated with the information provided, clarifying that the U.S. Government does not assume liability for the use of the information contained within. It also states that any mention of trade names or manufacturers is for identification purposes only and does not imply official endorsement by NASA.
In summary, this Technical Support Package serves as a comprehensive resource on the calibration of the Spitzer Space Telescope, highlighting its importance in the field of astronomy and the broader implications of such technological advancements. It reflects NASA's commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering innovation in aerospace technology.
