SENSOR CHAMBER 10V The 10-foot vacuum (10V) Chamber provides mission simulation capability for interceptor and surveillance sensor systems. The space chamber is able to verify sensor performance in simulated operational environments against simulated operational scenarios (Hardware-in-the-Loop). A facility modification was initiated in response to a need for an end-to-end closed-loop test capability for sensors developed under the Ground Based Interceptor (GBI) program. The 10V Chamber facility provides simulation of the GBI mission from launch to intercept. The approach takes maximum advantage of existing capability and experience, while utilizing the strengths of several government and contractor organizations. The facility design also incorporates flexibility to accommodate future upgrades or alternate sensor designs. The 10V Chamber sensor test facility features a high-fidelity target system containing multiple independent point source systems to simulate target acquisition and tracking operations. A complex infrared scene projection system is used to simulate additional objects in the sensor field of view and provides simulation of the terminal homing phase of the interceptor mission. A visible projection system is used to simulate star shots and objects that appear in the visible spectrum. A scene generator system is used to control the target simulation and seeker operation in a real-time, closed-loop manner. The 10V Chamber simulates the vacuum cryogenic conditions of deep space (<20 Kelvin background). Space sensors look at various objects against the dark sky, not just visible, but infrared-cold. K is the international unit for temperature on the Kelvin scale where 0 Kelvin represents absolute zero temperature (about -459 F). A radiometric calibration monitor system is located inside the chamber to allow accurate in-situ calibration of the 10V Chamber source systems that is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). A two focal plane array camera, referred to as the Reference Scene Monitor System (RSMS), is mounted on the chamber to provide independent source, and background evaluation and target position calibration. CHAMBER SPECIFICATIONS -- 10V Chamber is 10-ft. diam. by 30-ft. long -- 20 Kelvin low-infrared background using light tight gaseous helium cryoliner -- Simulated altitudes beyond 200 miles (less than 10-7 torr) -- Optical bench - Vibration isolation with 100-ton seismic mass - 2-micro radians optical line-of-sight vibration stability - Diffraction field of view 1.4-deg circular - High-fidelity static and dynamic multi-target simulation - In-situ NIST-traceable source calibration and diagnostics capability - Class 10,000 cleanroom with class 100 tent for test article - Dedicated control room CHAMBER COMPONENTS -- Source Systems - Two blackbody assemblies - Two infrared emitter arrays (dual-color configuration) - Digital mirror device-based visible projection system - Uniform heated source assembly -- Diagnostics Systems - Reference Scene Monitor System (RSMS) - Radiometric Calibration Monitor System (RCMS) -- Multiple Optical and Drive Systems THE 10V CHAMBER... ...is one part of the Integrated Test & Evaluation capabilities at Arnold. Other related test facilities include: -- 7V Sensor Chamber -- 12V Electric Propulsion Chamber -- Mark I Thermal Vacuum Chamber -- Combined Orbital Surface Effects Chamber -- Research and Development Chambers Optical signature data on threat and surrogate targets is also measured, analyzed, modeled and archived at the Advanced Missile Signature Center.