Comprehensive analysis of Shuttle Orbiter leeside surface infrared imagery obtained during atmospheric entry

The thermographic analysis techniques developed for processing of data from the Shuttle Infrared Leeside Temperature Sensing (SILTS) experiment are discussed. The SILTS experiment will obtain high-spatial-resolution infrared images of the leeside of the Space Shuttle Orbiter during atmospheric entry by means of a scanning infrared radiometer located atop the orbiter's vertical stabilizer. Comprehensive analysis of the SILTS thermography requires accurate consideration of all those factors (such as geometry of the observed surfaces, local surface emissivity, solar radiation, and other potential sources of image degradation) which may potentially affect the output of the infrared radiometer. An overview of the entire data processing procedure and brief descriptions of the data processing algorithms are presented.