SPIRIT III
Spatial Infrared Imaging Telescope
SDL developed and built SPIRIT III, the primary sensor
aboard the MDA Midcourse
Space Experiment (MSX).
SPIRIT III, a long-wave infrared instrumentation package, primarily consisted
of a high spatial resolution radiometer, a high spectral resolution interferometer-spectrometer,
and an extremely high-off-axis-rejection telescope. SDL designed and built the
SPIRIT III sensor system and completed extensive testing, calibration and integration.
The MSX spacecraft successfully launched from Vandenberg AFB on 24 April 1996.
SPIRIT III accomplished all mission goals which include:
- Characterize Earth-limb and celestial backgrounds and measure the spectral,
spatial, temporal, and intensity parameters of stars and upper atmospheric
phenomena, including airglow and aurora
- Detect, track and discriminate selected realistic targets against terrestrial,
Earth-limb and celestial backgrounds
- Assist investigators in identification and evaluation of the chemical and
physical properties of the upper atmosphere on a global scale
- Prove technologies such as the use of solid hydrogen to cool a space-borne
IR telescope
- Support a wide variety of dual use research involving astronomy, and space
contamination and debris
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SDL's Infrared Capabilities
SPIRIT III Overview Brochure
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