| The SABER instrument, a space-based infrared telescope built by the Space Dynamics Laboratory at Utah State University for NASA Langley, was calibrated in a very controlled thermal environment that encompassed temperatures between 77 K and 323 K.; I constructed an accurate thermal model of the SABER calibration system in SINDA 85 to ensure that the system could maintain the correct temperature zones required for valid simulation of on-orbit thermal conditions. This eliminated much time that would have otherwise been spent testing and modifying the system.; The predictions made by the model of the calibration system compared favorably to the results obtained during testing. From this project, one can conclude that for a similar system, a predictive thermal model can be constructed that is accurate to within 5 K. This thesis describes lessons learned that should be of interest to the infrared-sensor and calibration community. |
