Recent Upgrades in the Test and Evaluation Infrastructure of the AEDC Space Sensor Test Chambers

The Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) has been engaged in the characterization and calibration of space-based, airborne, and interceptor sensor systems for over 35 years. The 7V and 10V Aerospace Chambers, part of AEDC’s von Karman Gas Dynamics Facility, both provide a suite of radiometric target systems that operate in a simulated space background (less than 20 Kelvin) and allow complete evaluation of sensor performance within a single test installation. These space simulation test chambers offer a means of performing high-quality, economical, and timely state-of-the-art test and evaluation (TE it also reports on hardware modifications that have been implemented to enhance their capabilities. Representative results associated with these calibration and mission simulation capabilities from recent checkout tests are discussed. The overall status of the 7V and 10V Chamber facilities is described in this paper along with continuing plans to implement improved calibration and simulation capabilities.