Paper 14145-208
Paper 14145-208
In-orbit temporal stability analysis of the DRAGO-2 SWIR imager: quantifying radiometric and spatial variability using lunar targets
7 July 2026 • 17:30 - 19:00 CEST | Room B4-M3
Abstract
This paper presents a temporal stability analysis of the DRAGO-2 SWIR imager's performance, using imagery of the Moon captured in-orbit. Spatial stability (MTF, FWHM) is tracked via cross-validated slanted-edge and lunar-limb methods. Absolute radiometric stability is quantified using multiple full-moon acquisitions and the LIME model. This work introduces a correction for detector-plane scattering using a K0 Bessel-function model. The analysis provides valuable data on instrument degradation, critical for validating design choices for future SWIR space instrumentation and guaranteeing the fidelity of Level 2 scientific data products.
Presenter
Juan Francisco Hernández Cabrera
Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (Spain)
Juan Hernández is the Remote Sensing Engineer at IACTEC-Space, the department at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) responsible for the development of payloads for small satellites. He specializes in the calibration, and in-orbit validation of space-based infrared instrumentation, as well as satellite image processing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Electronics and Automation, as well as a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering. He has been responsible for the Cal/Val campaign for the DRAGO-2 imager aboard the ALISIO-1 mission, overseeing the development and implementation of advanced characterization methodologies, including lunar-based MTF analysis and sophisticated detector scattering models.