Digital Commons Network^™

Spectral-Spatial Ground Targets For Measurement Of Airborne Electro-Optical Imaging System Performance, Robert Sundberg, James Grassi, Michael Kogan, Cory Garms, Paul Corlies, Neil Goldstein, Bridget Tannian, Megan Stark, Marsha Fox, Timothy Perkins, Ronald Hardgrove Iii, Karapet Gyrujyan, Steven Santaniello, Todd Christensen, Vu Hoang

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

Targets located on the Precision Impact Range Area (PIRA) of Edwards AFB are used to evaluate imaging systems’ sensitivity and spatial resolution to ensure they meet specified requirements. Spectral Sciences, Inc., is developing a field-ready electro-optical sensor calibration/test system for airborne instruments from the visible through longwave infrared. This spectral region is particularly challenging because of the contributions from both solar and thermal fluxes. The system is composed of spectral-spatial ground targets and atmospheric characterization instruments. The design challenges for a new ground target installation applicable over short to long ranges and a broad optical spectrum include: 1) development of …

Refined Hybrid Rocket Static Fire Testing With Increased Performance And Precision, Josh Sorenson, Logan Mecham, Cody White, Ava Wilkey

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

Hybrid rocket development relies on precise sensor data to evaluate key performance parameters such as thrust, temperature, and chamber pressure. The accuracy of this data is influenced not only by instrumentation noise but also by the design and efficiency of the test infrastructure. This study presents a comprehensive upgrade of a lab-scale hybrid rocket static fire test cart, focusing on improvements in oxidizer flow capacity, system wiring, and data acquisition reliability. Key upgrades include larger-diameter piping for increased oxidizer flow, minimized flow losses, simplified and insulated high-voltage wiring, and enhanced sensor integration to reduce signal noise. Comparative testing between the …

Spectroradiometric Calibration Facilities At The Nasa Ames Airborne Sensor Facility, Thomas Ellis, Alok Shrestha, Gary Hoffmann, Haiping Su, Roseanne Dominguez, James Jacobson, Julia Barsi, Matthew Birkebak

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

The Airborne Sensor Facility (ASF) at NASA Ames Research Center maintains a suite of capabilities for the calibration of passive earth remote sensing instruments, focused on hyperspectral imaging devices operating in 350-2500 nm wavelength range, with additional thermal IR spectroradiometric resources extending to 14 microns. Hyperspectral instruments present challenges to characterization and calibration due to the large volume of data gathered in spatial and spectral dimensions. ASF uses techniques anticipating best practices developing in the IEEE standard p4001, while leveraging multiplex advantages for efficient data collection. ASF has developed facilities for the spatial, spectral and radiometric characterization of airborne hyperspectral …

The Renovated Aperture Area Measurement Facility At The National Institute Of Standards And Technology (Nist), Ulf Griesmann

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

Apertures with precisely known area are used in radiometry and photometry to define the optical phase space into which radiant flux is emitted or received. For example, solid angle, needed for the realization of the Candela, is realized with apertures of known area. Another common application is the measurement of irradiance, the radiant flux received at a surface per unit area (or its photometric analog illuminance), which requires an aperture with known area to be placed in front of an optical radiation sensor.

Beginning in the 1990s the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed improved methods for …

A New Broadband, Room Temperature Standard Reference Radiometer For High Accuracy Intercomparison Of Radiometric Scales And Instrument Calibration, Cameron Straatsma, Dave Harber, Robert Haun, Karl Heuerman, Nathan Tomlin, Chris Yung, John Lehman, Michelle Stephens

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

Frequent intercomparisons between radiometric scales are the foundation of low uncertainty, absolute radiometry. However, radiometric scales are typically established by semi-permanent installations such as cryogenic radiometers and blackbody sources that would require substantial cost and effort to temporarily relocate for intercomparisons. These challenges are often circumvented by using transfer standards. Transfer standards are convenient but add to the overall measurement uncertainty and often multiple standards are needed to cover a broad wavelength range.

We present the development of a compact, room temperature standard reference electrical substitution radiometer (ESR). The radiance, irradiance, and power radiometer (RIPR) incorporates a vertically aligned carbon …

Optical Power Scale Realization At Nist Using The Primary Optical Watt Radiometer (Powr), Rebecca Dally

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

The Primary Optical Watt Radiometer (POWR) [1] at NIST realizes and maintains the unit of optical power (watt). POWR is an absolute cryogenic radiometer which uses the principle of electrical substitution to obtain the total power of input optical radiation. It serves as the basis for many radiometric and photometric units and scales realized at NIST, providing optical power measurements with uncertainties as low as 0.02% (k = 1) for continuous wave laser inputs. Currently, a continuously tunable and computer controlled supercontinuum light source is routinely utilized for efficient data collection between 500 nm and 1700 nm (5 nm step …

Characterization And Calibration Of The Airharp2 Suite Of Instruments, Rachel E. Smith, Brent A. Mcbride, Noah Sienkiewicz, Cj Escobar, Dominik Cieslak, J. Vanderlei Martins

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

AirHARP2 is the aircraft version of the orbital Hyper Angular Rainbow Polarimeter (HARP2) on NASA’s Plankton Aerosol Cloud and ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite. In September 2024, AirHARP2 participated in the PACE Postlaunch Airborne eXperiment (PAX). This campaign provides a unique opportunity to validate radiometric and polarimetric measurements and derived science products from the PACE satellite by conducting direct cross-platform comparisons using co-located scenes. AirHARP2 is the polarimeter instrument in the AirHARP2 Suite, which also contains a VNIR imaging spectrometer, UV imaging spectrometer, and a SWIR multi-angle imaging radiometer. The companion instruments in the AirHARP2 suite mirror spectral response of the …

The First Year Of Harp2/Pace Performance Based On Its Ground And On-Orbit Characterization, J. Vanderlei Martins, Roberto Fernandez-Borda, Noah Sienkiewicz, Brent Mcbride, Xiaoguang Xu, Rachel Smith, Lorraine Remer

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

The Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter-2 (HARP2) was launched on board the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud and ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission, in February 2024, for the global measurement of aerosol and cloud properties as well as to provide atmospheric correction over the footprint of the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI). HARP2 is designed to collect data over a wide field of view in the cross-track direction (+/-47deg) allowing for global coverage in about two days, as well as an even wider field of view in the along-track direction (+/-54 deg) providing measurements over a wide range of scattering angles. HARP2 samples 10 angles at …

Polarization Of The Moon In Visible And Infrared Spectral Bands As A Function Of Phase Angle, Erica Venkatesulu, Elyse Duley, Joseph A. Shaw

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

The Moon can be used as a stable calibration source for on-orbit satellite instruments. This has been enabled by comprehensive work that characterized and modeled the lunar irradiance as a function of wavelength, phase angle, and libration angle. However, the polarization state of the Moon must also be known to enable on-orbit lunar calibration of polarization-sensitive instruments. In prior work, the disk-averaged degree of linear polarization of the Moon as a function of phase angle was measured in ultraviolet and visible spectral bands. Additionally, disk-resolved degree of linear polarization measurements, including point measurements of various lunar regions and images, have …

World Average Intercomparison Method: An Approach To Compare Landsat 8 Oli To Landsat 9 Oli, Mehran Yarahmadi, Kurtis Thome, Brian Wenny, Norvik Voskanian, Mohammad Tahersima, Sarah Kay, Derrick Lampkin

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

Comparative observations between two or more sensors viewing the same target(s) of known or stable radiance close in time have been successfully used for decades to calibrate and cross-compare calibration of various sensors. While the common target approach has proven effective in ensuring data consistency, they typically involve coordinating near-simultaneous data acquisition that are resource-intensive. The need to address geometric, spectral, atmospheric, and angular differences between measurements adds further complexity, making these methods challenging to implement on a routine basis. This study uses an approach to evaluate radiometric scales of two sensors using statistics of their global coverage of the …

Copernicus Sentinel-2 And Sentinel-3 Radiometric Calval Status: An Overview Of Sentinel-2c Tandem-Phase Results, B. Alhammoud, L. Rivoire, A. Deru, V. Boccia, S. Dransfeld

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

As part of the Copernicus program of the European Commission, the European Space Agency (ESA) developed and operates the Sentinel-2 constellation (S2A, S2B and S2C); and in cooperation with the EUMETSAT, they are operating the Sentinel-3 constellation (S3A, S3B). Both are Earth Observation optical missions, where the Multi-Spectral Instrument (MSI) is carried on board Sentinel-2 mission and the Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) and Sea Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) are on board the Sentinel-3 mission. In the framework of the Copernicus Optical Mission Performance Cluster (OPT-MPC), we use the Database for Imaging Multispectral Instruments and Tools for Radiometric …

Merging Multiple Analyses Of Slstr Vis-Swir Vicarious Calibration Results, Dave Smith, Caroline Cox, Maciej Neneman, Ali Mousivand, Bahjat Alhammoud, Sebastien Clerc, Camile Desjardin, Steffen Dranfeld

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

The Sentinel-3 SLSTR instrument is primarily designed to measure Sea and Land Surface Temperatures for meteorological and climate research applications. As well as spectral bands in the thermal infrared for measurement of surface temperatures, the radiometer is equipped with channels in the visible to short wavelength infrared range, primarily for daytime cloud screening and scene classification. However, the VIS-SWIR channels are used in the retrievals of Fire Radiative Power (FRP) and land applications when used in synergy with the OLCI instrument data. Furthermore, when combined with the dual view capability of the radiometer, the data from the VIS-SWIR channels are …

Inter-Sensor Level 1 Radiometric Performance Assessment Using Deep Convective Clouds Method: Application To Sentinel-2 And Landsat 8 And 9, L. Rivoire, S. Clerc, J. Bruniquel, V. Boccia, S. Dransfeld

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

The European Union (EU) created the Copernicus programme to achieve a global, high quality Earth observation capacity. The eyes of this programme are the Sentinel missions, and among them the Sentinel-2 mission provides high-resolution optical imaging in thirteen different bands, from visible to short-wave infrared. The Deep Convective Clouds (DCC) method is used to monitor inter-satellite level 1 radiometry in the framework of the Optical Mission Performance Cluster, an EU-funded Copernicus programme managed by the European Space Agency to assess the performance of optical missions. Sentinel-2 instruments MSI-A, B and C are monitored with this method along with Landsat OLI …

Geoxo Ocx Prelaunch And On-Orbit Calibration, Alexandra Ocasio, Lauren Aycock, Sandra Collins, Meghan Knudtzon

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

BAE will build the Ocean Color (OCX) instrument for NOAA’s next-generation Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellite network. The OCX design provides high spatial resolution, moderate spectral resolution, high radiometric sensitivity, and calibration accuracy data at an unprecedented area collection rate to enable significant advances in Ocean Color science. This presentation addresses the OCX prelaunch and on-board calibration approach that will provide hyperspectral measurements with high absolute radiometric accuracy and stability.

Libera Radiometric Ground Calibration In The Earth Radiance Facility (Erf), Robert Haun, Dave Harber, Cameron Straatsma, Katherine Catani, Karl Heuerman, Peter Pilewskie, Nathan Tomlin, John Lehman, Michelle Stephens

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

Libera is a next generation Earth-viewing scanning radiometer that will fly on the Joint Polar Satellite System-4 (JPSS-4), which is set to launch in 2027. Libera will provide continuity of Earth radiation budget measurements from the Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES), enhance observing capabilities to support Earth radiation budget science goals and advance the development of self-contained observing systems. Libera measurements will be collected in four spectral channels: the shortwave channel [SW; (0.3 to 5) µm] to measure solar radiation reflected by the Earth, the longwave channel [LW; (5 to 50) µm] to measure the Earth thermal emission, …

Pre-Launch Evaluation Of Detector Misalignment To Compensate For Structural Focus Shifts Of Bluebon Spectral Imager In Space, Ohgan Kim, Minwook Joo, Dong-Jun Choi, Taeyoung Kim, Ara Kim, Ji-Nyeong Choi, Jin-Soo Chang, Sehyun Seong, Seonghui Kim, Seonggick Cho

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

Focus adjustment in satellite optical payloads is critical, especially for CubeSats, which generally lack dedicated focus mechanisms due to stringent constraints in size, weight, and power. The harsh space environment, characterized by cyclic thermal variations, can induce significant thermal deformation in optomechanical structures, leading to misalignment and degraded image quality that may compromise mission performance. While larger satellites routinely integrate precise focus adjustment systems into their designs, CubeSats face considerable challenges in implementing such mechanisms, although a few recent missions have successfully demonstrated effective focus adjustment capabilities.

To address this challenge, we propose a dual-method strategy that combines passive pre-compensation …

Geometric Calibration Of Near Focus Infrared (Ir) Sensors For Spacecraft Missions, Alex Allgrunn, Jason Knudson, Keith Blonquist, Christian Conkle, David Huish

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

On-orbit spacecraft missions ranging from observation and object tracking to situational awareness and close-quarters navigation rely on electro-optical (EO) sensors. These sensors serve as the spacecraft’s primary vision system, providing critical data for computer vision (CV) algorithms and guidance, navigation, control (GN&C) software, etc. To ensure accurate data is fed to downstream applications, EO sensor data must undergo rigorous calibration to transform raw measurements into high-fidelity inputs. However, EO sensors designed for close-range spacecraft missions often feature a wide field of view (FOV) with short focus distances, posing unique calibration challenges. Traditional EO sensor calibration methods, which typically employ collimators …

Characterization And Calibration Of Single-Mode Fiber-Coupled Laser Diodes As Irradiance Sources For Astronomical Observatories, Brian G. Alberding

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

Current problems in astrophysics relating to the determination of stellar properties, properties of exoplanet host stars, and observation of the expanding universe due to dark energy depend on accurate measurements of flux (a.k.a. spectral irradiance) from stellar sources. Flux calibrations of observatories are typically based on natural standard stars that currently have tenuous SI traceability where additional uncertainty occurs from differences in the reference source and target observations during the scale transfer measurements. CANDLE (Calibration using an Artificial star with NIST-traceable Distribution of Luminous Energy), is a prototype instrument payload to demonstrate an artificial light source that could be flown …

Getting The Most Out Of Your Imager, Torbjorn Skauli, Mark Helmlinger, Nicolas Venjean, Julia Barsi, Christian Conkle, Jason Knudsen, Alex Allgrunn, Matthew Birkebak, Christopher Durell

The Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing Annual Meeting (CALCON)

This practical workshop will focus on integrating spheres and other methods and maintaining NIST traceability through the calibration process. The workshop starts with a lecture on a basic framework to maintain integrity of radiometric and spectral signals and fundamentals of instrument characterization which is based the new IEEE 4001 standard. Hands-on sessions provide an opportunity to learn about characterizing and efficiently providing calibration measurements for successful campaign results.

The workshop will be organized into three sections:

1. Measuring Absolute Radiance Radiometry & Characterization of Imagers

2. Measuring Payload Spectral Response Application of Sensor Characterization

3. Characterizing and Using Integrating Spheres …

Revised Unsteady Drag Force And Its Impact On Particle Dynamics At High Reynolds Numbers, Ahmad Talaei, Timothy J. Garrett

Physics Student Research

The accurate modeling of particle motion in viscous fluids at high Reynolds numbers remains a fundamental challenge, particularly under unsteady flow conditions where nonlinear effects dominate. This study introduces a revised unsteady drag formulation, extending its applicability beyond previous studies. By integrating classical solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations, the new formulation overcomes the limitations of the Maxey–Riley–Gatignol (MRG) equation, addressing non-physical memory effects associated with Basset drag and extending its applicability to higher Reynolds numbers.

Through experimental comparisons and direct numerical simulations (DNS), the revised equation of motion is compared to the MRG equation, both during steady-state conditions and non-equilibrium …

Influence Of Increasing Fires On Mixed Conifer Stand Dynamics In The U.S. Southwest, Simon D. Baker, Kristen M. Waring, David Auty, Nicholas Wilhelmi

Aspen Bibliography

(1) Stand-replacing fires may threaten the continued stability of mixed conifer forests in the U.S. Southwest. Increasing fire frequency and severity have made post-fire forest recovery trajectories uncertain for many coniferous species, potentially leading to long-term shifts in forest structure and composition. (2) The purpose of this study was to examine post-fire stand dynamics over a 10-year period, using a network of permanent plots established prior to wildfire events across Arizona and New Mexico. We assessed changes in over story composition, regeneration, and fuel loading across different fire severities. (3) High severity fire caused near-total over story mortality, with little …

Experiments To Enhance Post-Fire Aspen Seedling Survival And Growth, Larissa L. Yocom, Mark R. Kreider, Owen T. Burney, Tammy Parsons, Ryan T. Choi, Emily K. Liese, Karen E. Mock

Aspen Bibliography

Aspen forests provide wildlife, watershed, and aesthetic value, and the potential for reduced fire occurrence, behavior, and severity. There is interest in planting aspen to achieve various management objectives. However, few studies have investigated the optimal conditions for aspen seedlings in the western US. We conducted two experiments to address this knowledge gap. First, we tested the effects of shading structures (i.e., logs) and biochar on the survival and growth of 960 outplanted aspen seedlings in three exclosures in a recent fire footprint. Second, we tested whether experimentally placing logs near 120 naturally-occurring post-fire aspen seedlings affected survival or growth. …

Transition To Organic: Alfalfa Production In Utah, Earl Creech, Ryan Larsen, Marion Murray, Jennifer R. Reeve, Michele Schahczenski

All Current Publications

Transitioning to organic production may not require drastic operational changes on the part of the producer, as alfalfa production lends itself to more organic practices by default. Producers may decide to transition to certified organic production to capture organic price premiums, access niche market opportunities, reduce the use of synthetic inputs, meet growing consumer demand, enact personal values around environmental stewardship, and support soil and biodiversity conservation. Whatever a grower’s motivation, this fact sheet covers transitioning to organic production through understanding organic production systems, the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations, and crop-specific considerations.

Utah Farmers Market Consumer Preferences For Local Cut Flowers, Alison Bingham, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford

All Current Publications

In this fact sheet, we review the results of a 2024 study examining consumer preferences for local cut flowers at Utah farmers markets. Study data were collected in person via Qualtrics at six farmers markets across northern Utah, with 51 total responses. We discuss farmers market consumer purchasing preferences, familiarity with labeling programs, and preferred flower colors and varieties. Additionally, the factors influencing consumer decisions when purchasing cut flowers, as well as the product information they rely on, are discussed. Overall, the information in this fact sheet will assist cut flower growers in making informed decisions regarding production methods and …

Utah Strawberries: Consumer Preferences For Specialty Labels, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford

All Current Publications

This fact sheet is the second of two discussing the results of a study on consumer preferences and willingness to pay (pricing) for fresh strawberries. This fact sheet highlights how specialty labeling influences consumers’ perceptions and willingness to pay. The study was conducted at Utah State University (USU) in August 2024.The study examines familiarity with production and labeling programs, as well as perceptions of local and organic food.

Utah Strawberries: Consumer Consumption And Purchasing Preferences, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis

All Current Publications

This fact sheet is the first of two discussing the results of a study on consumer preferences and willingness to pay (pricing) for fresh strawberries. The study was conducted on the Logan, Utah, campus of Utah State University (USU) in August 2024, and participants were recruited via campus emails, flyers, and social media posts targeted at the greater Logan community. A total of 116 study participants completed a sensory taste test of organically, locally, and conventionally grown strawberry samples, followed by a survey that included questions about their demographics, shopping habits, and familiarity with, as well as beliefs about, various …

What Utahns Can Do To Strengthen Girls & Women: Findings From Community Conversations Across Utah, Corinne Clarkson, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

For many people, Utah is a great place to live.¹ The state consistently ranks high in national rankings and boasts high volunteerism, affordability, happiness, outdoor recreation, social mobility, and more.² These top rankings emphasize qualities we can—and should—be pleased with. However, extensive research continues to show that women and girls are not thriving in many critical ways, and that has detrimental effects for Utah families and communities.³ From economic insecurity, limited access to mental healthcare, sexism in the workplace, and unequal representation in all sectors of leadership, Utah women face a myriad of challenges, often without the …

Faculty Senate Calendar For 2025-2026 Session, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

Calendar of Meetings and Committee Reports for Faculty Senate 2025-2026 Session.

The Paradox Of Choice: User Preferences And Completion Rates In Single-Session Vs. Multi-Session Digital Mental Health Interventions, Emily M. Bowers, Korena S. Klimczak, Ty B. Aller, Michael E. Levin

Psychology Faculty Publications

Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) offer scalable solutions for addressing mental health needs, but low adherence remains a significant challenge. Single session DMHIs may offer a feasible alternative to address this issue, providing an accessible and low-effort option for users. The present study examines whether adding the choice of a single session DMHI in addition to a multi-session DMHI provides a feasible alternative for users who might otherwise disengage. This study examined naturalistic data from 509 university students who registered for a 12-session DMHI, single session DMHI, or both. The majority (58%) chose only the multi-session DMHI, while 24.2% chose …

A First Look Into Parental Strategies, And Challenges Around Children’S Device Usage In Urban Nepal, Rizu Paudel, Prakriti Dumaru, Ankit Shrestha, Mahdi Nasrullah Al-Ameen

Computer Science Student Research

There have been substantial changes in the landscape of technology use by children in Global South during COVID-19, when the shift to online learning platforms necessitated parents to avail personal devices (e.g., smartphones, computers) for their children to fulfill their educational needs. However, the use of devices by children are not limited to serving educational purpose only. Our study positions itself in a critical post-pandemic period in Nepal, characterized by the increase in device use by children, while a little study to date, investigated parental mediation in this developing country. To this end, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 parents, …