Imaging Chain Simulation Program for Earth Observation Satellite Imagers

Abstract

In the scope of this thesis study, it is aimed to characterize the imagers used in earth observation satellites by the imaging chain model method. Imager image quality performances were evaluated by using GIQE equation and NIIRS scale by imaging chain modeling. IQA (Image Quality Analysis) program was developed for imaging chain simulation. IQA program generates MTF, SNR, RER and GIQE budgets for the predefined imagers. Besides, IQA performs image simulations panchromatic and multispectral band images. Preliminary design of a multispectral TDI imager operating in panchromatic, blue, green and red bands has been made. Imaging chain links an example imager design is characterized by using IQA program. In this context, MTF, SNR, RER and GIQE performance budgets are generated under optic, electronic, platform stability ant atmosphere degradations. Operational requirement budget ranges of the imager were determined by using IQA simulations. GIQE breakdown budgets with ± 0.3. are simulated for varying platform smear errors, platform jitter errors, wavefront errors, defocusing errors, number of TDI steps and solar zenith angles. Also the panchromatic image simulations related to the degradation factors are generated.